“I can understand what you’re going through”
“I can imagine that can be challenging”
“Thank you for sharing this with me”
“I can relate to that”
“I’d feel the same way if I were going through that”
You may have heard such conversations between colleagues, or between a manager and team members. These are all conversations that demonstrate empathy between people at the workplace and its honest expression. Empathy is that soft and subtle personality trait, as well as a skill that goes a long way in ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
Empathy in communication is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This requires listening to your audience actively, understanding their emotions, and responding in a caring way. In a small business setting, empathetic communication leads to strong relationships. It builds loyalty in the organization and increases the chances of business success.
We are all human. We have emotions that we cannot always hide, even in the workspace.What would happen if people communicated without empathy during those crucial situations when someone is going through a tough time? It could lead to a breakdown, arguments, rash decisions, and defensive behaviour. In businesses, it could translate into a loss of sales if a salesperson is unempathetic and unwilling to listen to the concerns of their
customers. Secondly, the reputation of the company might take a hit, and create an image of a ‘company that does not care’. The productivity of the staff can come down, and employee turnover can increase.
Studies show that approximately 7 in 10 employees and HR professionals say that empathetic organizations will help improve employee morale. There are many more benefits to empathetic communication within organizations, such as a higher level of respect among employees, and an increase in productivity and engagement, because of the sense of support that employees experience.
Here are some ways to communicate with empathy at the workplace:
Practising empathy through your communication is necessary for any leader. Here are some ways to communicate with empathy in the workplace:
1. Non-verbal communication: It’s not only about what you say but also how you say it. Non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language help convey empathy and understanding.
Ask for clarifications vs making assumptions: If an employee makes a request, clarify why, rather than going by assumptions.
Use assertive communication: Non-judgmental or assertive communication helps you express empathy without being judgemental. For example, when you speak, take ownership of that sentence – instead of saying, “You’re not keeping to timelines”, put it this way – “I’m concerned about the deadline of this project”.
In conclusion, by recognizing and valuing the diverse perspectives and emotions of individuals, organizations can cultivate environments where innovation flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and employee well-being is prioritized. As empathy becomes increasingly recognized as a vital skill in leadership and team dynamics, investing in its cultivation within the workspace is not just an option but a necessity for fostering resilience, cohesion, and long-term success in the modern workplace.
Title: The Vital Role of Empathy in Workplace Communication: A Guide to Boosting Productivity and Morale
Meta Description: Discover the importance of empathy in workplace communication and learn how to foster a productive and supportive environment. Explore practical tips for enhancing empathetic communication skills and driving business success.
Keywords: empathy in workplace communication, empathetic communication skills, fostering a supportive work environment, boosting productivity, improving employee morale, workplace empathy tips