The Unsung Strengths of Empathetic Employees
You are empathetic. You understand others, weigh different points of opinion when making decisions, and experience emotions intensely.
While some may label empathy and sensitivity as a weakness in the workplace, the consensus of the organisations we support as a recruitment agency suggests differently.
What does an empathetic employee look like?
You bring a unique blend of hard work, dedication and high-quality outcomes, and you are proud of your meticulous attention to detail. Imagine somebody who not only excels on paper – completing tasks on time and not once ever being late – but also possesses an astonishing ability to navigate complex decisions and discern subtle nuances. This knack makes you invaluable as a team member, a colleague and a friend.
You are the heart of your team. People call you the glue. You offer support and understanding to colleagues, and you are there when people need you most – whether someone is looking for an ear, some help, or a chat about life outside of work. You are proud of your ability to adapt and thrive, even though your inner world can sometimes feel overwhelming.
While your value, commitment and impact are undeniable, you know that others do not fully grasp the depth of your thoughts and feelings. Your high ability to empathise often leads you to consider everything from all angles, which can be exhausting. Unexpected feedback or decision fatigue can send you into a tailspin, making it difficult to regain your footing.
As someone who genuinely wants to help others, you might even find yourself saying yes to more than your schedule can accommodate. You also dislike confrontation, even when you know you have valuable insights to share.
If you found yourself nodding along, you are likely one of the 1 in 5 individuals who identifies as highly empathetic.
Being empathetic is not a curse, it is too often mistakenly viewed of as a shortcoming. You may have built walls to protect yourself, fearing that if others truly understood your mind, they might see you as weak or overly emotional. This perception reinforces a common misconception that sensitivity is a weakness. It is easy to overlooks the unique strengths that set you apart.
The advantages of Empathy in the Workplace
1. Spotting patterns and finding common ground
Your heightened empathy enables you to address subtleties before they grow into issues. You can pick up on angles and details that others may miss, whether it's spotting a red flag during an interview, or being attuned to the challenges your teammates are facing. In environments filled with constant change, this attention to detail is an invaluable asset that will greatly enhance success.
2. High emotional intelligence enhances communication and teamwork
Your social insight and self-awareness contribute to your gift for recognising and understanding emotions. You think deliberately before speaking and you are thoughtful with your words. This allows you to thrive in collaborative environments with ideas sharing. By picking up on subtle cues, you account for different perspectives and enrich the sense of inclusivity within your team. You make feel seen!
For example, while others might interpret your manager’s unusually formal demeanour this morning as a personal slight, you can recognise that they are stressed and offer to lend them a hand.
Whether you are leading a project, helping other team members, or training a new hire, hyperawareness of how others are feeling serves as a gift for thoughtful and productive communication.
3. Creative thinking fuels problem solving
Your intuitive nature, depth of processing and conscientiousness fuels high levels of creativity. You love taking notes, making lists and brainstorming to capture and order your thoughts.
As a creative thinker you are in touch with new ideas which can lead to remarkable break throughs, innovative solutions and new ideas. Your thorough approach enhances your own work and enriches the team dynamic, fostering a safe environment where originality thrives.
Caring for yourself and for highly empathetic employees
Creating a refuge from overstimulation is key to taking care of yourself and ensuring that you keep performing your best. Sensory overload can lead to challenges like difficulty concentrating, anxiety, tiredness and irritability, as well as physical obstacles like tiredness and headaches.
When empathetic employees become overwhelmed, they can retreat to recharge. It is important to foster a safe workplace, but to allow for this time.
“Mental fitness at work is all about staying mentally strong and balanced, so you can handle stress, stay focused and do your best. It is about being aware of your emotions, staying flexible when things change, and keeping a positive outlook.”
– Feyona Lau, High Performance & Wellbeing Director, Sharp & Carter
Effective strategies for leaders to allow empathetic flexible support
Efficiently supporting highly empathetic employees comes down to encouraging them to embrace their strengths while enabling the tools to manage their emotions.
Encourage open one-on-one communication and check in about stress levels.
Connect work and outputs to something meaningful
Designate a no meeting day each week, or set specific ‘do not disturb’ times.
Offer audio only options for meetings to reduce sensory overload.
Encourage sensory accommodations like noise cancelling headphones, adjustable lighting and regular screen breaks.
Set prompts for meetings and agendas well in advance.
Provide clear timelines for feedback.
Try not to put empathetic employees on the spot – they appreciate time to deliberate before they act or answer questions.
The Sharp & Carter Mission – Empathy Will Enable your Success as an Employer
Our Sharp & Carter mission as a recruitment agency:
To be a catalyst for a new era of work – where organisations unlock potential through prioritising people above all else.
Our 15 years of recruitment expertise identifies stronger connections, collaborations and long-term successes at workplaces that recruit empathetic employees.
Organisations thrive when their people are put first, and when a commitment to culture and respect underpins every action. Our mission is to help forge connections with workplaces where employees are valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential both in and outside the workplace.
Celebrating empathy is not just a feel-good initiative, it is a strategic advantage that leads to long term and lasting success for everybody.
Whether you’re navigating the job market or seeking to complete your team, we are here to help
Get in touch with the Sharp & Carter team today.
