Empathy Is Transmitted

We all have heard of socially transmitted diseases. Be they colds or Covid, being around others is always a risk of catching whatever they have. But did you ever hear of something socially transmitted that was positive? Well, come to find out, there is at least one. Who would have thunk?

Empathy Is Increased Or Decreased

The researchers of a recent study discovered an interesting finding. Girt Hein, a neuroscientist from the University of Würzburg in Germany, found that seeing someone respond with empathy increased the empathy in others.

“Depending on whether empathic or non-empathic reactions were observed, empathy ratings increased or decreased,” Key takeaway: When you respond empathically toward others, it elicits empathic responses in others. Conversely, observing ambivalence decreased the empathic response in others. So don’t think that your relational behavior goes unnoticed. People see and are influenced by what you demonstrate.

Empathy Benefits

But was it the value of empathy?

Empathy in organizations has several benefits that cannot be ignored. First, people in an empathic environment feel genuinely cared for and appreciated. It generates feelings of worth—that they matter and they are not alone.

Another benefit of an empathic culture is that people are less likely to experience burnout. Stress and overwhelm are understood and shared, generating perseverance to endure situations and periods of intensity.

Also, empathy is one of the factors that improves morale. Studies conducted by McKinsey demonstrated that empathic managers are a significant determinant of employee satisfaction and performance.

Your Opportunity

So, the question to ask yourself is this: do you and your organization value job satisfaction, increased performance and high morale? If so, then you have a role to play by intentionally displaying empathy for your peers and colleagues. Without displayed empathy, you are fostering an organization that most say they don’t want.

Are you building up or tearing down a culture of empathy in your team and firm? There is value in empathy.