Imprinting Compassion: How To Make an Work
Research has found that businesses thrive in environments filled with compassion, as it reduces stress and improves overall job satisfaction. People respond well to those that consider their emotions, and are benevolent.
The Importance Of Compassion
“When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just ourselves or some immediate convenience” – Dalai Lama.
Compassion is something that can be expressed through our actions and behaviour, it’s not a feeling that can be properly portrayed. This plays an important part in the success of the organisation. Even if you have the best team on paper, if they’re unable to treat others with respect and understanding, they will eventually falter.
Healthy communication goes a long way, and what you give is what you get. If you treat your employees with respect and understanding, they’ll be more inclined to work hard and reach out to you should the need arise.
The Benefits Of Workplace Compassion
- Boosts employee retention
Employees are more likely to stay with a company if they feel valued and respected. Remember, employees often leave bosses, not the job.
- Reduces Stress
When employees feel safe and able to communicate their needs with no risk of judgement, it can assist in reducing stress. Reduced stress can improve productivity, as stress is effectively managed and dealt with.
- Improves overall well being
Research has found that employees in an interactive workspace feel happier and often have a steady heart rate and blood pressure. As their health remains optimum, they’re less inclined to take sick days too.
- Strengthens relationships
What you give is what you get, which means that when you treat employees with empathy and compassion, they’ll treat you in the same way. This builds a stronger working relationship.
Expressing Compassion In The Office
There are simple things that we can do to express compassion in the workplace. Just a few include:
- Start by taking notice of your needs and what you’re experiencing. You can’t look after others if you’re unable to look after yourself.
- Take note of changed behaviours and respond with kindness.
- Take the time to speak to your employees and listen to what people have to say.
- Initiate the conversation.
- Offer comfort where necessary while maintaining a professional boundary.
- Encourage and support your employees.
- Accept criticism.
- Be mindful of people’s emotions when voicing your opinion.
By being compassionate, we can grow and strengthen relationships within the business. Plus, we reaffirm the idea that the business puts it’s people first. In turn, this improves performance, and creates a positive office culture.
Whether your workforce has remained unchanged for several years, or you’ve taken on new hires who’ve returned to work after a hiatus, your levels of compassion must remain constant. Fostering an attitude of benevolence creates a feeling of safety, and will encourage new staff to speak up if they’re unsure of anything. Long-term staff will also feel more comfortable addressing issues, or offering new ideas they feel may improve the workplace.
Several studies into compassion in the workplace have been conducted, and both Roffey Park’s model and Thupten Jinpa’s core pillars are worth exploring and implementing.
Roffey Park’s Compassion Workplace Model
Roffey Park’s model states that five areas need to be addressed to ensure workplace compassion, namely:
- Be aware of people’s needs
- Providing non-judgemental viewpoints
- Understanding your own stress and becoming resilient should it be necessary
- Show empathy in the workspace
- Be accountable for all outcomes
Thupten Jinpa’s Core Pillars Of Compassionate Leadership
- The cognitive aspect
You need to be able to understand the situations and problems your employees may be experiencing. You need to know what’s going on, and be prepared to provide support. Being open to others and accepting that your opinions may differ is key.
- The affective aspect
This relates to the emotional side, and how you feel about your employees. It will help you to build a relationship, and be able to identify when one of your team is feeling stressed and upset. People will take note of your response, and respond positively to a boss that cares about their needs.
- The motivational aspect
You need to be interested in building a connection with your employees. Motivate them to excel, and provide a pep talk where necessary. This positive support will result in a positive workspace and environment.
It’s Simple, You Need To Understand Your Team
To be able to show compassion and provide support, you need to know your team well enough to determine when it’s necessary, and what the best way to provide it is.
Once you’ve got it all ironed out, you’ll be able to give your employees the support they need to succeed. By default, your business will be a success too.
