Empathic Leadership: Humanizing the Workplace
How empathic leadership can improve productivity and reduce burnout.
By Ashley C. Jordan Ph.D.
January 20, 2025
KEY POINTS
. Empathetic leadership fosters engagement, creativity, and workplace well-being.
. Respecting work-life boundaries prevents burnout and improves job satisfaction.
. Leading with trust and flexibility empowers employees and strengthens organizational success.
More than 15 years ago, I realized I needed to upgrade my phone to send and receive emails.
I was a graduate student balancing coursework and lab work with little downtime. One Friday, I joined friends for a quick happy hour near campus.
At 4:45 p.m., my advisor emailed me. When I didn’t immediately respond, he called my cell phone at 5:05 p.m., demanding an answer. He didn’t care that it was after hours—I needed to reply now.
The experience left me anxious. I started constantly monitoring my inbox, setting up email notifications, and working with two monitors so I would never miss another email. But at what cost?
Looking back, I can’t even remember what that email was about. What I have seared into my memory, however, is how it made me feel—stressed, undervalued, and burned out.
Why Empathy Matters in Leadership
Many of us have worked under a micromanager. But does this level of control improve productivity?
The answer is no. Research shows that micromanaging leads to lower morale, higher employee turnover, and reduced productivity. Instead, leaders should focus on empathy and humanizing the workplace, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
Empathic leadership isn’t just a feel-good approach—it enhances organizational effectiveness. One study found that a leader’s level of empathy, as rated by their subordinates, is positively linked to job performance ratings. Employees who feel understood and supported are more engaged, creative, and productive.
By shifting from control to compassion, managers can cultivate an environment where people thrive.
Practical Ways to Lead With Empathy
. Respect work-life boundaries: Avoid sending emails or messages outside of work hours unless it’s truly urgent. Encourage employees to unplug and recharge. When employees overwork, it leads to burnout, which only serves to reduce workplace productivity.
. Practice active listening: When employees share concerns, frustrations, or ideas, listen fully without interrupting. Acknowledge their feelings and perspectives before responding, demonstrating that their input matters.
. Show flexibility and trust: Empower employees to manage their workload. Offer flexibility where possible, such as remote work options or adjusted hours to accommodate personal needs and responsibilities.
. Encourage psychological safety: Create an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging and are comfortable sharing their thoughts, asking questions, or admitting mistakes without fear of retaliation.
. Use a strength-based leadership style: Identify and regularly acknowledge employees’ strengths and achievements. Publicly and privately affirm their contributions to reinforce their value beyond just productivity.
. Support professional and personal growth: Invest in employees’ development through mentorship, training, and opportunities that align with their career aspirations.
. Lead by example: Demonstrate the behaviors you want to cultivate in your team. Prioritize self-care, model work-life balance, and take breaks when needed. Treat colleagues with respect and understanding. When you model the behavior you want to see, it makes people want to follow you.
People Over Everything
Now, as a professor, I apply these lessons to my interactions with students and colleagues. I remember what it felt like to be micromanaged, and I strive to ensure that those I work with feel valued as people first, not just as students or employees.
At the end of the semester, students often ask for special exceptions, late work extensions, or extra credit. While some of my courses allow for late work, I encourage students to think about what is best for them holistically. Sometimes, pushing through is the right choice. Other times, stepping back and retaking the course later is the healthier, wiser decision. Learning isn’t just about completing assignments—it’s about growth and well-being.
The same philosophy applies to leadership. Leading with empathy means prioritizing people over rigid policies. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more engaged, innovative, and productive. In the end, some of the most successful leaders are those who see their teams as people first.
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