As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace, it is important to recognize the role of empathy in creating a conducive environment to fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Empathy is about understanding and relating to the emotions and perspectives of others. It is a vital skill that helps us to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships, and navigate conflicts. By embracing empathy, we can create a more supportive and inclusive workplace that benefits everyone.
"As a company, we have a role to play in creating a culture of empathy."
This means recognizing and valuing the unique contributions and perspectives of each employee, regardless of their background or identity.
It means actively working to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels heard and respected.
Watch the testimonial video from the participants of the Exchange Theatre session last November:
In collaboration with the KL Shakespeare Players (KLSP), the Exchange Theatre is a form of interactive theatre that encourages communication and the exchange of views on topical issues, especially in regards of workplace scenarios and team dynamics. It creates a safe space for the audience to participate in the given scenario and to speak out their own experiences and opinions out loud where it might be difficult to do so in other situation. Our previous Exchange Theatre showcase on the 22nd of November with GNETG received a very positive testimony from Dato’ Ami Moris, the Chair of 30% Club Malaysia.
When asked about her main take-away from the session, she elaborated;
"It was very good to be able to have an outside in-perspective and to suspend what you normally think and how you normally would assume to be doing things."
The session was impactful to her as she is able to listen to other people's perspectives and understand the significance of shaping the dynamic of the team through the skill of understanding other people’s perspectives in a workplace setting.
One way to foster empathy is by encouraging employees to share their stories and experiences. By creating a platform for open and honest dialogue, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within our organization. This can help us to identify areas for improvement and develop more effective strategies for supporting our team.
Empathy can also play a contributive role in creating a conducive environment. By recognizing and responding to the emotional needs of our colleagues, we can create a more positive and supportive workplace. This might involve offering words of encouragement, providing flexibility in work schedules, or simply listening without judgment.
One of our other participants from the GNETG showcase also felt that she was enlightened by the essential role of empathy. The participant, Marzida Md. Noor, an Independent Non-Executive Director of Affin Bank Berhad shared the importance of recognising a company’s role in creating a conducive working environment to make the employees feel that they are part of the company’s culture. She quoted by saying;
''It sort of reinforce that level of awareness about: what does it mean to be more inclusive, what does it mean to be more empathetic to people and what does it mean to be understanding of how people process their thoughts..''
Finally, it is worth noting that empathy is not just a professional skill; it is a human one. We all have the capacity for empathy, and by embracing this skill in our personal lives, we can become better friends, family members, and community members.
Written by Naim Ramin
11/5/2023
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