Who Eats Empathy For Breakfast?
Mentioning empathy and business in the same breath is the professional world equivalent of saying “Bloody Mary” three times into the mirror. Everyone’s eating strategy, facts and data for breakfast. Our own experiences and learnings over the years have left us with the question, “Who’s eating empathy for breakfast?”
Empathy is not to be confused with “emotional” and be dismissed as being bad for business. It's like the secret spice in your grandma’s famous recipe—it makes everything better. From fostering a healthy work culture to building lasting client relationships and creating impactful, memorable work, empathy is the magic ingredient.
Yet, it’s often the last thing considered, with audiences reduced to mere statistics and data points. But when empathy takes centre stage, the quality of output improves dramatically—not just in advertising, but in every facet of business.
The Power of Empathy in the Workplace
Empathy in the workplace isn't just about being kind; it's about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. This understanding leads to stronger, more cohesive teams, where members feel valued and supported. According to a study by Businessolver, 96% of employees believe it’s important for their employers to demonstrate empathy, yet 92% believe empathy remains undervalued.
At Undo, we see this firsthand. When our team feels heard and understood, creativity flows more freely, collaboration improves, and morale soars. As Simon Sinek, author of Leaders Eat Last, puts it, "Empathy is about being concerned about the human being, not just their output." This human-centred approach fosters loyalty and drives success.
Building Lasting Client Relationships
Empathy has the power to transform client-vendor relationships into something far more collaborative and productive, creating an environment that not only fosters a more joyful synergy but also creativity and impactful ideas that don’t get lost in the drafts. Clients want to feel understood and valued, not just like another entry in a CRM system. When we take the time to truly understand their needs, challenges, and goals, we build trust and forge stronger, more lasting partnerships.
Take the case of Starbucks. The company thrives on empathy, both with employees and customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Starbucks kept its communication lines open, listened to customer concerns, and adjusted its services accordingly. This empathetic approach not only retained customer loyalty but also strengthened the brand's image.
Creating Impactful and Memorable Work
Empathy is the cornerstone of creating work that resonates. Understanding your audience's emotions, needs, and pain points allows you to craft messages that truly connect. It transforms generic content into something personal and powerful.
Consider the Always #LikeAGirl campaign. By understanding the societal pressures young girls face, Always created a campaign that was both impactful and memorable. It resonated on a deep emotional level, challenging stereotypes and empowering girls worldwide. This empathy-driven approach resulted in a campaign that not only boosted sales but also left a lasting social impact.
Empathy in the Broader Business World
Empathy isn't just for advertising—it's vital across all business areas. In product development, empathy leads to user-centric designs that solve real problems. In customer service, empathy transforms interactions from transactional to relational, creating loyal customers. And in leadership, empathy fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, driving employee engagement and productivity.
According to research by the Center for Creative Leadership, leaders who demonstrate empathy have employees who are more engaged and perform better. This is because empathetic leaders create a sense of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks.
Not just a fairytale—empathy in the real world
A study by Harvard Business Review found that companies with empathetic cultures outperform their counterparts by 20%. This shows that empathy is not just a feel-good concept but a strategic business advantage.
Empathy is the unseen force that drives success. It's the key to building a healthy work culture, fostering lasting client relationships, and creating impactful work. In a world where data and statistics often overshadow human connection, rooting our actions in empathy ensures we never lose sight of what truly matters.
At Undo, it's the force that drives everything we do, and it's why our work stands out. We invite you to join us on this journey—because when empathy leads, success follows.
In the words of Maya Angelou: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
