Joya Mahbub

In today’s competitive work culture, where targets and deadlines often overshadow emotions, one human quality is quietly shaping the future of leadership — empathy. Unfortunately, in many offices, empathy is still seen as a “soft skill,” something optional, not essential. But the truth is, empathy has become the missing link between productivity and human connection. 

The COVID-19 pandemic did not just change where we work; it changed how we feel about work itself. In the years that followed, many organisations adopted hybrid or remote systems, blurring the line between personal and professional life.  Employees found themselves online almost all the time, juggling deadlines, household duties and emotional fatigue. The human connection that once came from office interactions — shared lunches, casual chats, and friendly gestures — slowly disappeared. This emotional disconnection has led to what experts now call a “burnout epidemic.” 

A 2024 Gallup report shows that nearly 60 per cent of workers feel emotionally detached from their jobs, and one in five experiences burnout very often. In Bangladesh, the situation mirrors this global trend. Many professionals feel overworked, under-recognised, and mentally exhausted, even in sectors that managed to survive the pandemic’s economic impact. The shift to hybrid work, combined with rising job insecurity and limited mental health support, has made burnout a growing concern. This silent crisis is now weakening morale, reducing engagement, and making many people feel that today’s workplace has lost its sense of heart and humanity.

What Empathy Really Means
Empathy is not about being “too kind” or overlooking mistakes. It is about the understanding of others’ perspectives, recognising their struggles, and creating a space where people feel heard. A study by Harvard Business Review shows that empathetic leaders inspire greater loyalty and trust among team members. Satya Nadella’s leadership at Microsoft stands as a clear example. His empathy-driven approach helped revive not only the company’s culture but also its innovation and growth.

The Cultural Misconception
In many South Asian workplaces, including ours, emotional intelligence is often underestimated. Leadership is still associated with authority and toughness. But the most effective leaders today are those who balance performance with compassion. When employees feel psychologically safe, they dare to share ideas, take risks, and collaborate more effectively, the true ingredients of innovation.

The Way Forward
Empathy should no longer be viewed as a “soft” trait; it is a strategic leadership skill. In the era of hybrid work and automation, emotional connection is becoming the new competitive advantage. Training leaders to listen, understand, and communicate with empathy can transform workplace culture  from compliance to commitment.
Empathy is not the opposite of strength; it is strength. The future of leadership will belong not to those who command with fear but to those who connect with understanding. It is because, at the end of the day, successful organisations are built not just by smart minds, but by kind hearts.
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The writer is a journalist