Empathy: A lack of inclusion is hurting humanity

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to feel disconnected. We scroll through social media, send quick texts, and attend virtual meetings, but how often do we truly connect with others? One answer lies in a skill we often overlook: empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s perspective. It’s the cornerstone of human connection, allowing us to build meaningful relationships both personally and professionally. We were fortunate to have Mimi Nicklin join us last year to talk about empathy, a skill that matters not only in the workplace but also in tackling global challenges.

Empathy in the workplace

Imagine a workplace where everyone feels understood and valued. Research shows that empathetic environments increase engagement, productivity, and collaboration. Conversely, a lack of empathy can lead to disengagement and disconnection, costing the global economy billions annually.

Empathy isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s essential for a thriving workplace. But to connect meaningfully with others, we first need to understand ourselves.

The journey starts with self-empathy

Mimi emphasizes that empathy starts with self-awareness. Self-empathy means recognizing and understanding your own emotions and needs. When we know ourselves better, we can approach interactions without judgment and connect more authentically with others.

At Adaptive, we support self-empathy in practical ways. Team members are encouraged to reflect on their feelings, take appropriate time to rest, accept mistakes as part of the learning process, and take care of their mental and emotional well-being. We also foster an environment where seeking support, whether from peers, mentors, or professional resources, is normalized and encouraged.

✨ Tip: Recognize and name your emotions daily—whether happy, anxious, frustrated, or excited and treat yourself with kindness.

The art of listening

Listening is a fundamental aspect of empathy. True active listening goes beyond hearing words; it involves understanding the underlying emotions and perspectives of the speaker. This means engaging in conversations with an open mind, asking thoughtful questions, and genuinely seeking to understand rather than merely waiting for our turn to speak.

At Adaptive, we bring this to life at a global level through initiatives like our brownbag sessions. They are not only spaces to share technical knowledge, our colleagues also use this space to share personal growth stories, talks on their personal passions or interests, or experiences with mental health, creating opportunities for others to practice active listening and empathy. Through these sessions, we have, for example, explored how to recognize common mental health conditions in ourselves and others (read the blog post here), or some colleagues have talked about life experiences with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

These conversations foster genuine connection, showing that empathy isn’t just a concept; it’s something we practice every day.

✨Tip: Engage in conversations with an open mind, asking thoughtful questions, and genuinely seeking to understand rather than merely waiting for your turn to speak.

Fostering empathy in everyday work

Did you know that the more empathy you show, the more it flows back? This is known as reverse empathy. Understanding how to show empathy in the workplace with simple acts like checking in with a colleague, offering help, or acknowledging someone’s contributions creates a cycle of mutual respect and deeper connection.

By approaching interactions with curiosity, patience, and genuine interest, empathy becomes a shared experience. When leaders and team members model understanding, it encourages everyone to reciprocate, strengthening both relationships and the culture of the workplace.

Tackling loneliness with empathy

A final aspect to consider is that in our increasingly interconnected world, many people still struggle with feelings of loneliness. Loneliness isn’t just the absence of people—it’s the absence of meaningful connections. By fostering empathy in the workplace, we can create a stronger sense of belonging and community that supports both mental and physical well-being.

✨ Tip: Small gestures of genuine interest, like asking how someone is doing or acknowledging their efforts, can make a big difference in creating connection.

A call to action

Empathy is the foundation of inclusion, connection, and thriving workplaces. As Mimi’s talk reminded us, it begins with self-awareness, grows through active listening, and flourishes when we practice empathy toward others. At Adaptive, we’re committed to cultivating empathy through self-reflection, meaningful conversations, and inclusive practices that make everyone feel valued.

This commitment is deeply embedded in our culture and reflected in our values of respect and collaboration. Through initiatives such as mental health resources and inclusive team conversations, we help bridge the gap of loneliness and disconnection—ensuring everyone feels supported, valued, and able to thrive. By making empathy a daily habit, we can foster stronger teams, deeper connections, and a more compassionate world.

Speaker Bio

Mimi Nicklin is a global leader with over 18 years of experience as a CEO, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and coach. Known for her dynamic stage presence, she has captivated audiences worldwide, including a live BBC News appearance to 85 million viewers and features in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and NBC News.

Mimi is the internationally bestselling author of Softening the Edge and the founder of Empathy Everywhere, a leading platform for organizational empathy. With a focus on empathetic, Listening Led leadership, Mimi has trained over 12,500 students in Fortune 500 companies, advocatingfor a balance between humanism and capitalism in the workplace. Her passion for empathy drives her mission to enhance performance, inclusion, and effective communication in diverse teams.