Polarization is increasing worldwide. What can we do about it?

Across the globe, increasing violence, poverty, inequality, religious intolerance, polarization, environmental destruction, etc., are attributed to a reduction in or lack of empathy. Thankfully, surveys show that the new generation of youth would prefer to work in organizations that value empathy and diversity. Amidst a declining trend, but an ever-increasing need for empathic workplaces, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has sounded a clarion call for urgent actions to shore up empathy. According to WEF, it is no longer a nice-to-have feature for organizations but a strategic imperative.

Studies show that worldwide empathy is reducing, unfortunately. On the other hand, worryingly, there is a trend of increasing narcissism and self-centeredness among children. To make matters worse, when people become wealthier or rise up the career hierarchy, they become less empathic, studies show. Indeed, many scholars have noted that higher levels of management in organizations are occupied mostly by self-obsessed and narcissistic leaders.

Empathy is looking at the world from another person’s eyes. It's about understanding how they feel and think and then reacting with the right emotion. Empathy is at the core of the ability to form lasting connections.

Empathy helps make relationships stronger. It brings people closer at work and boosts teamwork. When leaders, parents, teachers, and partners show empathy, they do their roles better and create deeper connections.

Empathy creates trust, openness, and a sense of security in workplaces. It's essential for diverse groups to work well together. When people understand each other's feelings, they collaborate better to tackle problems and difficult situations. Empathy is key to keeping customers happy and satisfied. Plus, it reduces staff turnover and boosts productivity. Many scholars think that after love, empathy is the most powerful emotion in the world, and it imbues life with meaning. Empathy also causes a reduction in stress and improves immune system functioning. Empathy feels rewarding and energizing, as acts of empathy activate the same brain areas that are activated when we indulge in pleasurable activities.

You can increase your empathy. We will come to that next.