The secret force of success and wellbeing

Politics, cold wars, conflicts, and undue pressures.

No. We are not discussing Israel, Russia, or similar. I am describing the prevalent scenes at most workplaces.?

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Disengagement is a global issue, with nearly?half of employees worldwide feeling disconnected from their work.?

The disengagement costs the world ? $8.8 trillion (or close to? 9% of global GDP in 2023)? in lost productivity.

According to another report, the?employee engagement market?is projected to be worth US$ 803.0 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach US$ 3,603.9 Million by 2034.?

There are a plethora of engagement methods, SaaS platforms, and several resources dedicated to employee engagement. But are they effective? Obviously, no, because disengagement is expensive.?

Despite the best efforts of HR managers who often resort to innovative (and sometimes bizarre) methods, traditional approaches to employee engagement often fall short.

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What causes disengagement of the employee??

While there are several reasons behind this colossal failure, one aspect that takes the lion's share is a leader's lack of empathy and compassion. When a leader lacks empathy and compassion, the organization suffers the most.

Why do empathy and compassion matter?

• Stronger Teams and Relationships:?Compassion leads to better understanding, reduces conflicts, and builds bonds.
• Increased Innovation?– Teams that trust each other are more likely to take risks. They innovate without fear of judgment. This leads to breakthroughs that are impossible in a cutthroat or disconnected environment.
• Improved Mental Health—Compassion in the workplace reduces stress and anxiety. When leaders show they care about their employees' wellbeing, it creates a supportive environment where people thrive.
• Long-term Success—Compassionate leaders attract loyalty. Employees stay longer, work harder, and are more committed to the company's mission, which drives long-term business success.

Compassion drives trust. Trust, in turn,?Increases Engagement, Boosts Productivity, and Enhances Retention.

What happens when the empathy & compassion levels are low?

“People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and purpose.” – Dale Carnegie.

When empathy and compassion? are absent, businesses suffer in several ways:

• High turnover rates?– Employees feel neglected and leave without compassion, costing companies time and money.
• Low productivity?– A lack of camaraderie leads to poor communication and disengaged teams, which slows progress and kills creativity.
• Lost customer loyalty?– Businesses that don't show compassion to their customers often lose them to competitors who do.

More than 50% of?the causes of disengagement (such as recognition, leadership, work-life balance, and toxic culture) are significantly influenced by compassion.

Compassion also influences other drivers like?career growth, autonomy, and job expectations.?

In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 32, Srikrisha endorses and extolls people with compassion.?

ātmaupamyena sarvatra sama? pa?hyati yo ’rjuna sukha? vā yadi vā du?kha? sa yogī paramo mata? - BG 6.32

In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the importance of?seeing others as equal to oneself. He says that a true yogi (spiritually advanced person):

1. Sees the happiness and suffering of others as their own: They understand and feel the joys and sorrows of others just like they would feel their own.
2. Treats all beings equally: They don't see any difference between themselves and others, whether in terms of status, wealth, or background.
3. Feels compassion for all: They have empathy and care for others because they know everyone is connected and deserves the same respect.

In short, he tells us to treat others with kindness and equality by understanding that their feelings are as important as our own. This thought promotes empathy, compassion, and a sense of unity with all people.

He mentions the importance of compassion again in?Chapter 12, Verses 13 and 14

adve?h?ā sarva-bhūtānā? maitra? karu?a Eva cha nirmamo nirahankāra? sama-du?kha-sukha? k?hamī - BG 12.13

santu?h?a? satata? yogī yatātmā d?i?ha-ni?hchaya? mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhakta? sa me priya? - BG 12.14

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In these verses, Lord Krishna describes the qualities of a true devotee who is close to God. A true devotee:

1. Is kind and compassionate: They care for others and do not wish harm on anyone.
2. They are free from envy and jealousy: They don't feel wrong about others' success or happiness.
3. Is peaceful and calm: They remain steady and composed, even in difficult situations.
4. Is forgiving: They don't hold grudges and can easily forgive others.
5. Has no attachment: They don't cling to material things or desire too much for themselves.
6. They are humble and free from ego: They don't think too highly of themselves or act arrogantly.
7. Is steady and determined: They remain committed to their spiritual practice and beliefs.

It's not just for career progression; high levels of compassion also protect us from several mental ailments such as anxiety, depression, and various other conditions requiring medical intervention.

Isn't it easy to follow Srikrishna and be compassionate?

Compassion isn't just a nice-to-have quality; it's a strategic asset that builds trust and drives organizational performance, professional growth, and personal wellbeing.

Summary:?In a fast-paced, profit-driven world, empathy and compassion are your competitive edge.

Ready to lead with heart? Let's create a culture where everyone thrives by actively listening to your employees, providing support during difficult times, and fostering a sense of community.

How did compassion help you? Share your experience in the comments?

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Want to know how to build compassion? Write to me at?[email protected]

(This article is part of a series of posts on Bhagavad-Gita’s relevance to corporate life and career growth.)?

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