Prioritizing mental health and empathy are essential steps in creating a supportive workplace culture where everyone can thrive. Empathy is the ability of an individual to not only understand a person better but feel inclined to help them. Empathy helps to regulate one’s emotions so that one feels more satisfied and less isolated. It also promotes healing and growth when an individual feels safe to share their struggles with another person.
EMPATHY AND PSYCHOLOGY
In psychological terms, empathy is when one sees a person experiencing an emotion, and they, too, feel stimulated by the same emotion in them. Mental health and empathy are deeply interconnected, as empathy plays a crucial role in understanding and supporting the emotional well-being of others. The emotions of empathy arise over time as part of human development and social interactions. So, the people possessing higher levels of empathy report larger social groups and satisfying relationships.
IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT HELP TO CATER EMPATHY
- STAY FOCUSED
Setting aside any distractions like cell phones helps one to stay engaged and focused when listening to others. It helps them pay better attention to other people’s words and body language so they can really understand one’s emotions.
- DON’T BE JUDGEMENTAL
Although listening is the best way to demonstrate empathy, being non-judgmental is also important. If the listener is not making any assumptions or passing judgments, the other person is in a better condition to talk freely and be easily understood.
- FOCUS ON THEIR FEELINGS
One needs to be intentional before giving the statement, “I know how you feel”, which is a much better response when it comes to being empathic.
- VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS
Make a person feel assured that their emotions are okay. This gives them validation. Never blame them or dismiss their emotions. Some great responses are, “You are really going through a lot” or “I am available for you whenever you want to talk.”
MENTAL HEALTH AND EMPATHY AT WORKPLACE
Empathetic leadership at the workplace is an asset to an organization seeking development and cultivating skills for success. Three effective ways to show greater empathy in the workplace are:
- VALUE OTHER’S NEEDS AND DREAMS
Every employee in the team has different and unique needs which require recognition by their bosses and colleagues. Showing kindness aids in framing the work assignments so that they match best with team member’s capabilities and satisfaction.
- VALIDATE EMPLOYEE’S PERSONAL ISSUES
Maintaining a relationship with open lines of communication allows an employee to feel comfortable in sharing their personal problems and builds trust.
- HELP RELIEVE STRESS AND BURNOUT
Being overworked can lead to stress and burnout. Thus, it is the duty of the manager to recognize signs of burnout or else it may result in disengagement or turnover.
WAYS TO ENCOURAGE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND EMPATHY IN THE WORKPLACE
- CULTIVATE COMPASSION
Many managers have a notion in their head that makes task-oriented skills such as monitoring and planning most important. Therefore, they must be taught the value of giving time and attention to others as it equally enhances their employee’s performance and growth.
- WORKSHOP ON LISTENING SKILLS
Good listening means a manager listens as much as they talk and is skilled in understanding gestures, tones and facial expressions. A company must train its managers in active listening techniques for the company to flourish fully.
- SUPPORT GLOBAL MANAGERS
Managers have a lot to manage, so it’s important for a company to foster growth and learning through cultural intelligence and programs to improve their skills.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, the correlation between mental health and empathy has a huge impact on the success of a company. Fostering mental health and empathy within the workplace leads to greater understanding, patience, and a happier work environment. It’s vital to have a supportive work environment, and empathy is the key to getting there!
Download and follow the JOYSCORE app to find the secret of a happy life.
FAQ’S
Q1 How does empathy improve overall health?
A1 From a mental health perspective, people with high levels of empathy connect easily with others and report larger social groups and satisfying relationships.
Q2 How does empathy work between manager and employee?
A2 An empathetic manager can step into his employee’s shoes, understand another’s perspective and respond with care and compassion. This enhances teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
Q3 What are empathy skills?
A3 Active listening, compassion, emotional empathy, patience, self-awareness, and teamwork are empathy skills that are beneficial in the workplace.
