Empathy: Strength and Strain?
Empathy has become one of the most valuable traits in a workplace and can massively improve leadership dynamics. Workplaces grounded in empathy manage to stay the course when things get messy.
It’s hardly surprising that people respond more positively when they feel genuinely listened to and understood. Over time, that reciprocity makes it easier to work through challenges together because people know that everyone’s perspective will be treated fairly. In a world where so much work risks becoming automated and transactional, kindness and human connection is so important. So far, AI hasn’t mastered empathy, that is still solely on us.
What the data says
Empathy is not just a nice extra, the research backs it up.
A 2024 State of Workplace Empathy study by Businessolver, which surveyed 3,000 employees across the US, found that half of employees (50%) and more than half of CEOs (55%) say they are experiencing higher rates of mental health and workplace toxicity than in the past. At the same time, 77% of job seekers say they are more likely to apply for roles where kindness is listed as a core company value. That alone positions empathy as a real differentiator in hiring.
There is also a clear link to performance. Employees also report that when organisations provide mental health benefits or programmes, this boosts productivity (48%) and motivation (42%), reduces turnover (39%) and increases a sense of belonging within the organisation (36%). A separate Catalyst survey of 900 employees further reinforces this, showing that empathy is a key driver of innovation, engagement and inclusion.
How empathy lifts teams
Empathy is often misunderstood and underrated. In reality, it is one of the most practical tools a leader can have.
From a practical point of view, empathy means fewer surprises. When leaders take the time to understand their teams, they spot issues earlier. Concerns are raised before they become formal complaints or resignations. Expectations can be tweaked and areas that need more attention become visible and can be addressed before they escalate.
Sometimes a double-edged sword for women
There is a downside that is not talked about enough.
As women, we're often socialised from a young age to be the caretakers and the ones who put the needs of others before our own. And while these traits can undoubtedly make us wonderful friends, partners, parents and leaders, they can also become a double-edged sword if we're not careful.
The trap that many women fall into is when our empathy becomes all-consuming. We find ourselves so attuned to the needs of those around us that we neglect our own wellbeing. We say "yes" to every request, even when our plates are already full, and we change our schedules to accommodate others. Over time, that is not sustainable for individuals or for the teams they support.
Striking a balance
The key, then, is to find a balance between empathy and self care. It's important to maintain a sense of boundaries (something I have definitely failed at in many areas), and to prioritise our own wellbeing, even as we strive to be supportive towards others.
This might mean saying "no" more often, even when it feels uncomfortable, and carving out time for your priorities. If you feel yourself starting to experience symptoms of burnout, it’s ok to step back and do what you need to do to support your own mental and physical needs.
We know it’s not always that simple. Work and life rarely are. Everyone is navigating different choices, responsibilities, and expectations at any given time. Empathy should absolutely always be encouraged in the workplace. It builds stronger teams, better leaders, and healthier cultures but it needs to include yourself as well as others.
