This informal CPD article,'Work Kinder, Not Harsher: Why Self-Compassion Matters in the Workplace’, was provided by iGROW CorpHealth, partnering with Corporates to drive Employee Engagement through Holistic Health Solutions.
Have you ever made a mistake at work and found yourself replaying it over and over again? Many professionals hold themselves to impossibly high standards, believing that self-criticism and perfectionism are the keys to success. To some extent, professionals need these to achieve their work goals. However, being kind to yourself can never hurt you. In fact, it can be an essential tool in fostering resilience, productivity, and success at work.
Some believe that self-compassion engenders complacency and low work performance. But the reality? Employees that demonstrate self-compassion experience lower stress levels, improved job satisfaction, and better workplace performance (1).
Let’s explore how self-compassion works in the workplace and why practicing kindness toward yourself might just be the key to becoming a more engaged and effective professional.
Why Self-Compassion Matters at Work
Self-compassion—the ability to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a colleague—has been linked to improved mental well-being, job performance, and overall workplace satisfaction. Research has shown that individuals with higher self-compassion tend to experience lower levels of workplace stress, anxiety, and burnout (2).
Another study among senior managers found that higher self-compassion correlated with lower perceived stress and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (1). Furthermore, those who engaged in self-compassionate thinking were found to be more likely to report a greater sense of happiness and workplace well-being amidst high-stress environments.
Beyond emotional resilience, self-compassion is also a powerful tool for improving job performance. Employees who practice self-compassion are less likely to experience emotional exhaustion, are more engaged in their roles, and show greater commitment to their organizations (3).
Unfortunately, despite the well of research backing the benefits of self-compassion, employees still struggle to demonstrate kindness to themselves. Even in modern workplaces, perfectionism and high performance expectations remain the norm. This kind of pressure at work impedes self-compassion, leading to a cycle of self-judgment, increased stress, and decreased job satisfaction.
This begs the question: How can we cultivate self-compassion in the workplace?
Moving Away from Self-Criticism and towards Self-Compassion
Here’s how both individuals and workplaces can embrace self-compassion as a tool for resilience, performance, and well-being:
Reframe and Rise
Rather than viewing mistakes as failures, see them as valuable learning moments. Self-compassion allows employees to acknowledge missteps without falling into cycles of self-doubt. A simple way to shift your mindset is to ask: Would I speak to a colleague the way I’m speaking to myself right now?
Managers can support this reframing by fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than personal shortcomings. Encouraging employees to openly discuss challenges without fear of harsh judgment leads to greater trust, innovation, and long-term growth.
Support to Succeed
Self-compassion is not just an individual practice. It thrives in workplaces that normalize well-being. Companies that introduce mental well-being activities, such as Self-Compassion Workshops and Gratitude Journals, provide employees with the tools to navigate stress more effectively.
Beyond structured programs, psychological safety—where employees feel comfortable taking risks and seeking help—is key to long-term engagement and retention. Research suggests that organizations with a culture of self-compassion see higher job satisfaction and stronger team dynamics (1).
Lead with Kindness, Work with Strength
Self-compassion starts at the leadership level. When managers demonstrate self-compassion, it sets the tone for the entire workplace. Leaders who encourage balanced goal-setting, provide constructive feedback, and model healthy work habits that cultivate a culture of growth rather than perfectionism.
Employees, in turn, feel more engaged, motivated, and empowered to take on new challenges. With this, self-compassion becomes not just a personal habit, but a workplace standard that leads to better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and a more fulfilling professional experience.
Embracing Self-Compassion for a Healthier Workplace
Self-compassion is not about making excuses or avoiding challenges; it’s about navigating difficulties with resilience, maintaining motivation, and fostering a healthier approach to work. In a world where professionals are often their own harshest critics, embracing self-compassion becomes essential for long-term success.
By making self-compassion a priority, both employees and organizations can cultivate a workplace where people feel valued, motivated, and equipped to thrive.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iGROW CorpHealth, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.scientificarchives.com/article/self-compassion-job-related-wellbeing-perceived-stress-happiness-and-depression-and-anxiety-symptoms-in-6-cases-of-senior-managers#5
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/26408066.2024.2439267
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01148/full
