Empathy for Trying Times - a Mid-Year Report
Businesses are coping with uncertainty and disruption as we pass the midpoint of the year.
You've probably been feeling it, as everything from tornadoes to riots to tariffs make internal planning hard. We are all doing more with less...and the strain is showing.
As I have been meeting with organizations of all sizes throughout the country this year, it's absolutely clear that people are in crisis. And when surveying the teams that I'm working with, I'm seeing some concerning trends.
At Handle w/ Care, we want to share some leading-edge data with you, as well as some actionable tips to help your people, clients, and culture emerge from 2025 more unified and engaged than ever.
What is causing stress?
47% point to political and economic turmoil
39% take on the stress of others
Only 18.5% of respondents don't feel stressed!
Top ways I feel supported at work
81% feel supported when they are listened to
78% feel supported when concerns are heard and responded to
What can you do as a people leader or a team manager?
Increase the frequency (and quality) of your check-ins. Use language that invites people to share - for example, "I know we are all doing a lot right now - how are you feeling as you take on more?"
Empathy matters, even (and especially) when you disagree with someone. Take a moment to pause and consider, "What might they be feeling? What might be driving them to do what they are doing right now?"
Prioritize rest and stepping back. Seriously, plan for self-nurture in your calendar. For me, this summer, it means an evening paddle-boarding or playing yard games with my family.
Decide what you will be on the look-out for today. For example: "Today I want to notice kindness or competence". We see what we look for.
Equip your managers to navigate complex conversations on national/global events. If this sounds daunting, check out our session on Things Fall Apart - Human-Centric Skills for Hard Times.
