Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

What do you do if empathy is lacking in temporary and contract roles?

Empathy is a critical component of emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. In the context of temporary and contract roles, the transient nature of employment can often lead to a deficiency in empathy, which is detrimental to team cohesion and productivity. Addressing this gap requires deliberate actions to foster an environment where empathy is valued and encouraged, even in short-term engagements.

1 Understand Empathy

Empathy, the capacity to recognize and vicariously experience what another individual is going through, is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. It's essential in the workplace for creating a supportive atmosphere, facilitating communication, and building trust among team members. When you're in a temporary or contract role, it's crucial to quickly gauge the emotional climate of the new workplace and adapt your interpersonal approach accordingly. If you sense a lack of empathy, take proactive steps to demonstrate it through active listening and by showing genuine interest in your colleagues' perspectives.

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Lucidalva Santos

Analista de Treinamento e Desenvolvimento / Treinamento e Desenvolvimento / Analista / Gestão de Gente / RH / Gente e Gestão / Cultura e Diversidade / Inclusão / Orientação Profissional
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É importante termos a empatia desenvolvida em nosso perfil profissional. Faz parte do alto nível de inteligência emocional se colocar e ouvir o outro, compreendendo-o de uma perspectiva de respeito e reciprocidade, verdadeiramente interessando-se pelo que a outra pessoa está sentindo. Isso facilita significativamente a comunicação e promove relações de confiança. Estar num ambiente carente de empatia pode tornar as interações um tanto difíceis; por outro lado, ao introduzir a empatia nas relações interpessoais, ajudamos as pessoas a reconhecer a sua importância, o que é um passo fundamental para que as relações ocorram da melhor forma possível.

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2 Foster Connection

Building connections with your colleagues can help bridge the empathy gap in temporary and contract work environments. Start by engaging in small talk and showing a genuine interest in their work and personal lives. This can help establish rapport and make your coworkers feel seen and heard. When people feel connected, they're more likely to reciprocate empathy, creating a more harmonious work environment. Remember that even small gestures of kindness and understanding can have a significant impact on workplace relationships.

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Sabine Karunanithy

Supporting Organizations to switch focus in HR from administration to real business impact.
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Temporary and contract roles are nothing negative - rather the contrary. People are hired in such roles because the organization is struggling and needs more support - when you join in a temporary role, you are the support your new colleagues desperately needed. Therefore, don't start your new role with the expectation of not finding acceptance. Go in with a curious mind, ask questions, ask for help, signal that you are happy to be where you are and that the length of your contract does not have an impact on your willingness to bond with others. Why should it anyways? The more open minded you are, the more you want to learn in your new environment, the more likely it is that your new colleagues are welcoming you warmly.

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3 Lead by Example

If you're in a position where you notice a lack of empathy, take the initiative to lead by example. Displaying empathy in your interactions can influence the behavior of those around you. This might mean taking the time to listen to a colleague's concerns without judgment or going out of your way to help someone with a task. By consistently demonstrating empathetic behavior, you can help to create a culture where empathy is more commonly practiced, even if your role is temporary.

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4 Communicate Openly

Open communication is vital for fostering empathy. Encourage your colleagues to express their thoughts and feelings openly by creating a safe space for dialogue. This means being approachable, non-judgmental, and receptive to feedback. When others feel comfortable sharing, it becomes easier to understand their perspectives and show empathy. In turn, this open communication can lead to more effective collaboration and a more positive work environment.

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Yevgen Schweden

Made to Drive the Change. | Senior Agile Project Manager | Growth and Innovation-Driven Enthusiast | Efficiency 'Truffle Pig’
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To create safe spaces, you can follow Brené Brown's concept of BRAVING. This framework will help you understand what it takes to create trust and open communication. The acronym BRAVING stands for: - Boundaries: Establishing and respecting boundaries in interactions. - Reliability: Being dependable and following through on commitments. - Accountability: Owning up to mistakes and making amends. - Vault: Keeping confidences and not sharing information that isn't yours to share. - Integrity: Choosing courage over comfort and practicing values rather than simply professing them. - Non-judgment: Offering and asking for help without judgment. - Generosity: Extending the interpretation possible to the intentions, words, and actions of others.

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5 Offer Support

Offering support is a tangible way to show empathy in the workplace. If you notice someone struggling, offer your assistance or a listening ear. This could mean helping with a challenging task, providing resources, or simply being there to talk. Your support can make all the difference in someone's day and can encourage others to act similarly, creating a ripple effect of empathy throughout your temporary or contract role.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

Reflection is key to understanding how your actions affect others and adapting your behavior to foster empathy. Take time to reflect on your interactions and consider whether you're doing enough to understand and support your colleagues. If necessary, adjust your approach to be more empathetic. Continuous self-reflection and adaptation are essential for personal growth and for contributing positively to the work environment, even on a temporary basis.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if empathy is lacking in temporary and contract roles?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Empathy

2 Foster Connection

3 Lead by Example

4 Communicate Openly

5 Offer Support

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Emotional Intelligence

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What do you do if empathy is lacking in temporary and contract roles?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Empathy

2 Foster Connection

3 Lead by Example

4 Communicate Openly

5 Offer Support

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Emotional Intelligence

Rate this article

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