The Power Of Emphaty
Adebayo, a digital creator, shared how he left his N200,000 monthly salary at a microfinance bank to become a digital creator, now earning more than his old salary in a week.
“I worked in a microfinance bank on Lagos Island while living on the Mainland. I spent 80% of my salary on transport and food, with long hours that kept me at the office until 8pm. I often didn’t get home until 10 or 11 pm, then had to be back by 8 am. I could barely afford a one-bedroom apartment and still lived with my parents. When the stress became unbearable, I knew it was time to leave. I took up a remote digital creator role at a financial institution, and it’s been the best decision of my life.”
Asked about leaving his current job for a better offer, Adebayo nsaid: “This job gives me peace, flexibility, and pays my bills. I’ve rented a decent apartment, and now I can save comfortably and send my parents an allowance. I’m grateful for this opportunity and have no plans to leave; instead, I aim to work hard and earn a promotion.”
In today’s demanding work environment, the pressure to meet targets often overshadows employee rest and well-being. The Guardian’s recent article, , sheds light on the mental health crisis in Nigerian workplaces. This review highlights a vital yet often overlooked solution: Empathy.
Empathy is the heartbeat of a Successful Workplace
Across Nigeria, from Lagos to Abuja, countless employees face immense pressures, unpaid salaries, unrealistic deadlines, and toxic environments. Veronica Eze, psychiatrist and CEO of Adicare Rehabilitation, emphasized that mental health is essential for productivity. Yet, many workplaces fail to acknowledge the silent struggles their employees face.
For Example, Picture an employee, exhausted from financial worries and close relationship issues, still expected to perform at their peak. In such scenarios, empathy isn’t just a virtue, it’s a necessity for success.
What Empathy Looks Like in the Workplace?
Empathy means understanding your employees’ struggles and taking meaningful action.
The Lagos State Government’s introduction of flexible work schedules is a commendable step, helping workers cope with stressful commutes and rising transport costs.
Empathy manifests in everyday actions:
- Paying salaries on time to ease financial burdens.
- Balancing workloads to prevent burnout.
- Creating a safe space where employees feel heard.
- Showing genuine care through words of encouragement and recognition.
In challenging economic times, empathy bridges the gap between mere survival and genuine productivity. As Eze said, “You need to be mentally healthy to be productive.”
Empathetic workplaces benefits Include:
- Reduced absenteeism
- Higher employee retention
- Greater job satisfaction
- Improved mental well-being
Creating an Empathetic Workplace
How can employers cultivate empathy? Here are practical steps:
- Listen actively to employees’ concerns.
- Provide financial support through timely salaries and soft loans.
- Recognize achievements through awards and acknowledgements.
- Encourage work-life balance with flexible schedules and adequate leave.
- Offer mental health resources like counselling and wellness programs.
Empathy is no longer optional. As we navigate 2025, prioritizing mental health through empathy ensures employees feel seen, heard, and valued.
The challenges highlighted in The Guardian’s article are a wake-up call. The solution is clear: empathy. Employers must rise to the occasion—not just as leaders, but as humans. A mentally healthy workforce isn’t just productive; it’s unstoppable.
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