Compassion is more than just a feeling—it’s an active force that shapes workplace culture, builds trust, and strengthens organizations. Inspired by Awakening Compassion at Work by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton, this checklist provides actionable steps for fostering a compassionate work environment. Use it to assess and enhance how you respond to suffering, support colleagues, and create a culture where care and connection drive performance.
Checklist 1: Recognizing Suffering in the Workplace
Compassion begins with awareness. Noticing when others are struggling is the first step toward a more caring workplace.
- Am I paying attention to emotional cues and subtle signs of distress in my colleagues?
- Have I created opportunities for employees to safely share their challenges and concerns?
- Do I check in with my team regularly to understand their well-being beyond just performance metrics?
- Have I cultivated a culture where people feel safe expressing vulnerability without fear of judgment?
Checklist 2: Interpreting Suffering with Empathy
Understanding the root causes of distress helps prevent misinterpretation and fosters meaningful support.
- Am I making an effort to understand the experiences that might be causing my colleagues’ distress?
- Do I ask open-ended questions to better understand others’ challenges rather than making assumptions?
- Have I examined my own biases or judgments that might prevent me from responding compassionately?
- Am I creating an environment where people feel valued and respected even when they struggle?
Checklist 3: Taking Compassionate Action
Compassion is more than recognizing suffering—it involves responding in ways that offer genuine support.
- Have I provided direct support or resources to someone facing a difficult situation?
- Did I acknowledge and validate a colleague’s struggle in a way that made them feel seen and heard?
- Have I encouraged a culture of mutual support where team members actively help one another?
- Am I taking steps to integrate compassion into daily interactions, meetings, and leadership decisions?
Checklist 4: Embedding Compassion into Workplace Culture
For compassion to thrive, it must be woven into the fabric of an organization’s values, policies, and practices.
- Are leaders in my organization modeling compassionate behavior in their decision-making and interactions?
- Have we implemented policies that support employee well-being, such as flexible work arrangements and mental health resources?
- Do we recognize and reward acts of compassion within our teams and across the organization?
- Have I considered how our organizational structure and workflows could be adjusted to promote greater care and connection?
How to Use This Checklist
This checklist serves as a practical tool for integrating compassion into your workplace. By consistently applying these principles, you can create an environment where employees feel seen, supported, and motivated to contribute at their best. Use this guide to foster a culture that not only values performance but also prioritizes the human experience at work.
Why You Should Read Awakening Compassion at Work
Awakening Compassion at Work by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton provides a compelling case for why compassion is a vital force in workplace success. It offers research-backed insights into how organizations can harness compassion to improve collaboration, innovation, and employee engagement. If you’re committed to building a workplace where people thrive, this book is an essential read.
