Your coworker feels undervalued at work. How can you show them empathy?

1 Listen Actively

Active listening is the cornerstone of showing empathy. When your coworker expresses feelings of being undervalued, give them your full attention. Nodding in acknowledgment, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding interruptions are key behaviors. By doing so, you communicate that their concerns are important to you and that you're there to support them. Reflecting back what you've heard can also reassure them that you are engaged and understand their perspective.

2 Validate Feelings

It's important to validate your coworker's feelings. Avoid dismissing or minimizing their experience. Instead, acknowledge the difficulty of what they're going through with phrases like "That sounds really tough" or "I can see why you'd feel that way." This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything they say, but it does mean recognizing their feelings as legitimate and worthy of attention.

3 Offer Support

Offering support can take many forms, from a sympathetic ear to practical assistance. Ask your coworker how you can help or if there's anything specific they need. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is willing to help can make a significant difference in how valued a person feels. Remember, offering support is about empowering your coworker to overcome their feelings of being undervalued.

4 Encourage Dialogue

Encouraging your coworker to have a dialogue with management can be empowering. Suggest that they prepare points to discuss their contributions and concerns. Role-playing the conversation with them can help build confidence and ensure they feel prepared to articulate their value effectively. It's about helping them find their voice and ensuring they're heard.

5 Share Recognition

Recognizing your coworker's contributions can boost their morale. Acknowledge their achievements in team meetings or thank them for their help on a project. Public recognition can reinforce their value to the team and organization. It's a simple yet powerful way to help someone feel appreciated.

6 Suggest Resources

Lastly, suggest resources that might help your coworker feel more valued, such as professional development opportunities or employee support programs. Encourage them to seek mentorship or join workplace groups where they can connect with others. By pointing them towards resources, you're helping them take proactive steps to improve their situation and sense of worth at work.

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?