Workplaces are feeling the heat— tight deadlines, doing two peoples jobs and front facing staff are dealing with ‘difficult conversations’ and stressed and traumatised clients.
When survival mode kicks in, empathy tends to slip away. But without it, culture breaks down, burnout grows, and disengagement spreads. People stop listening to each other and numb themselves at work and home with distraction, alcohol and discontent.
Here’s why empathy matters—and why resilience must come first:
- Stress blocks empathy
When people are overwhelmed, they can’t connect with others. It’s hard to notice someone else’s struggle when you’re just trying to get through the day.
- Empathy builds trust and safety
Teams thrive when leaders and coworkers show they care. Psychological safety improves, and people feel valued for who they are, not just what they produce.
- Leaders set the tone
When leaders model resilience and manage their stress, it sends a powerful message. This makes empathy possible and encourages the whole team to follow suit.
- Resilience unlocks empathy
Building personal resilience—through self-care, support, and healthy boundaries—creates the space for empathy. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Empathy reduces risks
Work Health Safety (WHS) laws are now paying attention to psychosocial risks. A culture with empathy lowers stress, reduces conflict, and keeps workplaces compliant.
Empathy starts with having self-compassion for yourself and taking care of yourself.
Doing that makes it easier to have empathy for others.
Empathy is also a skill. It is teachable although most people think it isn’t. I’ve seen it when I have trained people how to listen. In fact this has been the most satisfying work I have done to date. Working with peer supporters and leaders to teach them how to really listen. What a gift that is. And the listener lights up when they tell me the stories of transformation when they use their new skill.
The takeaway? Focus on resilience first. When you feel balanced, empathy flows naturally. That’s how we build workplaces where people want to stay and thrive. Then, teach your leaders how to listen.
People feel supported and the psychosocial risks fade away.
Warmly,
Michelle
P.S. If you want access to the complementary Wellbeing NOvember sprint, register at michelle@c4consultancy.com.au. Last chance to register midday, Friday 1st November.
Useful Links
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