Why Emotional Intelligence In The Workplace Is More Important Than You Think!
According to Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, the value placed on emotional intelligence (EQ) has grown substantially since the 1990s. Subjects such as mental health and employee wellbeing have become highly important when interacting in the workplace.
But sometimes, not everyone is adept when it comes to reading or managing emotions. And often, that’s how issues between coworkers or colleagues can arise. The question now is: how can one become a more empathetic individual in the workplace?
With that said, we’re going to find out why emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important in your career than you think and how it can help with both employee retainment and making better connections!
What Is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?
Emotional intelligence is your ability to understand. If you have high emotional intelligence, you’re able to positively or negatively relate to others and regulate your own emotions. Highly empathetic individuals can build strong and lasting relationships. They can also use their empathy to mediate conflict and cooperate in a team. This cultivates a set of soft skills more likely to retain your employees [insert link] and improve your connection with them. And empathetic leaders are also more likely to establish better business reputations.
If you’re interested in testing how much EQ you have, take Truity’s test here!
How To Practice & Develop Your Emotional Intelligence
Intrapersonal Level
To practice emotional intelligence with others, you must develop emphatic habits within yourself first. This starts with paying closer attention to how you’re feeling at certain points in time. Identify what those specific emotions are - be they positive, negative, or neutral.
Especially for negative emotions, it’s also important to recognize triggers and physical symptoms that can lead to impulsive and out-of-control emotions. For example, if you realize your mood is sour when you’re tired, make adjustments to your daily routine to ensure you get more sleep at night. Or if you’re prone to lose focus on your work when a colleague tries to make conversation with you, communicate with them to set boundaries.
You can also develop emphatic habits by allowing yourself to dive deeper into your feelings. Keeping a journal to chronicle your emotional journey or participating in creative hobbies are highly effective in keeping you in touch with your emotions.
Interpersonal Level
Once you’re able to practice emotional self-care, you’ll be better equipped to continue practicing it in the professional world. Setting clear boundaries, such as promoting work-life balance, can also help others realize the emotional self-care needed for their wellbeing too.
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Effective communication with others is key at this particular level. Listening to and embracing different opinions is another form of empathy needed in the workplace. In this way, you'll be viewed as respectful and trustworthy while making your colleagues feel seen and valued.
If you’re an employer, it's relevant to build a sense of belonging in the workplace. Suggesting employee wellness programs will highly benefit you. Prioritization of mental health, seeking to understand aspects of their identity such as being LGBTQ+, and giving them time off to celebrate holidays and cultural events relevant to their race or ethnicity are diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DE&I) strategies that can be implemented.
Why Is This Important?
Insensitive people will be disliked by their colleagues. Not understanding the impact their actions and words have on others only demonstrates poor communication skills. They also show lack of responsibility, accountability, and professionalism in a work setting. This will become severely detrimental to their career in the long-run.
That’s why honoring mental health and deeds of empathy is important, such as celebrating World Mental Health Day on October 10. Employees are also people with unique lives and are a business’s most valuable asset. Businesses that prioritise their employees’ wellbeing often tend to witness heightened productivity, healthier workplaces, and greater satisfaction and success.
Cultivating courage, connection, and compassion is not easy at times. But they are fundamental to work environments committed to support, respect, and happiness. It is through empathy that you’ll be able to touch more people’s lives for the better.
That’s why, at Hyred, we understand the value that human talent can provide. We’re always seeking a diverse range of talented, passionate people who are eager to make a difference through career opportunities. If you’re interested in onboarding with us, visit our Homepage now to set up a free 30-minute consultation for more information! Or visit our Career page for our full list of open job positions in the SEA region!
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