May 15

EOHCB: Empathy in the Workplace

What is an empath?

Empaths can be described as those who absorb the world’s joys and stresses like emotional sponges. Empaths have a deep connection with taking on others’ emotions, and it is often to their own emotional detriment. Empaths typically are highly sensitive, have strong intuition and love for nature, and are often easily overwhelmed.

How does an empath respond to a working environment?

A working environment can be either an uplifting or draining place for an empath. Work environments are tough and multiple different personalities work together. An empath is someone who takes on others’ emotions and feels their emotions deeply, you can understand why this could be a draining environment for them. This can cause burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed. On the flip side, if you have a healthy work environment, this can be a place where an empath thrives, they are very creative beings, and given the right environment, they could be your biggest asset for your business.

How can you as an employer/manager/leader/colleague support an empath at work?

Provide constructive feedback in a supportive manner, as empaths can be more sensitive to criticism or negative feedback.
Ensuring a collaborative, supportive, and positive work environment.
Be clear about what you expect from them, if they are unsure about what is expected this can cause feelings of excessive stress and being overwhelmed.
Provide opportunities for them to freely express their creativity in the workplace, provide them with autonomy, and watch how they will knock your socks off!
Be supportive and understanding, where possible allow them flexible work arrangements to help maintain their emotional well-being and work obligations, encourage stress management techniques, and even better mental health support and training for all employees to better understand how to support their empath colleagues.

As an empath, what can you do to help yourself thrive in your workplace?

Set boundaries on what you are willing to do about the feelings you absorb from those around you to avoid reaching the burnout point.
Ensure you are taking care of yourself; self-care is super important in ensuring you can recharge and maintain your emotions. Try exercise or meditation activities.
Use your strong sense of intuition and understanding to your advantage by creating strong meaningful relationships with colleagues and being a voice for those around you.
Having a support system at work with your colleagues/friends/manager can help you feel less isolated and more understood.
Communicate with your manager when you are feeling stressed or where your limitations lay, they may be able to provide you with the support or resources to help you get through your workload.

As an empath, it is important to take care of yourself. Thus, in turn, will help you thrive in your workplace, as an employer/manager of an empath, it is in your best interests to nourish the empaths in your business, they could turn out to be your biggest assets.

For any further information or enquiries please contact the EOHCB representative in your area by clicking HERE.