Dive Brief:
- Many business leaders firmly believe compassion has no place in the business world, according to Forbes.
- Some managers fear showing kindness could be seen as weakness, while others believe pressure is the only way to keep employees productive.
- Despite those concerns, there is actually clear evidence that compassion in the workplace serves many benefits. It not only improves workplace culture, but can help a company’s bottom line.
Dive Insight:
One of the many benefits of compassion in the workplace is improved employee retention, according to Forbes. In fact, creating a compassionate workplace is one of the best ways to retain employees over the long haul, which will also boost the company’s bottom dollar.
A compassionate workplace supports employee efforts to manage stress by encouraging employees to socialize in the office. A 2012 study published in BMC Public Health showed that when employees feel like they’re bonding, their stress level decreases. And decreased stress means employees are less likely to burn out and more likely to be productive.
Any organization can introduce compassion to the workplace, the article notes. A few small steps at a time can begin to make a big difference—cheerful greetings, conversations about family members, or simply delivering an employee a much needed cup of coffee can set the tone for a compassionate environment.