Article by Dr Shirley Knowles, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Progress and Katie Kulikoski, Chief People Officer, Progress
Once seen as a marker of an outstanding leader, empathetic management is now a fundamental expectation. Business leaders must be able to understand the needs of others and to consider their perspectives when making business decisions.
This is partly due to the impact of workplace empathy on diversity and inclusion initiatives – 50% of employees with empathetic leaders state that their workplace is inclusive, compared to just 17% of those with less empathetic leadership.
So how can leaders ensure that they are utilising empathy to boost their diversity and inclusion efforts?
A crucial first step is to understand that you may have to challenge your own thoughts and mindset in order to bring empathy into your day to day work.
To illustrate this, it’s helpful to use the model of system 1 and system 2 thinking, made popular by Daniel Kahremah. System 1 thinking is our brain’s fast, automatic and emotional responses to stimuli. It’s at this level that bias often creeps in – we make split second judgements about people based on characteristics such as their race, gender or age. System 2 thinking is slower and more deliberate. It’s here that we use logic and reasoning to solve problems.
Many of us are guilty of letting system 1 thinking influence too many of our decisions. It’s important that leaders try to slow down and challenge those automatic assumptions. Taking the time to think logically will allow them to remember the perspective of others, rather than making decisions based on those initial judgements.
In order to consider the perspective of others when making decisions, you must find out what those perspectives actually are. There is one simple way to learn them: listen.
At Progress, we’ve hosted listening tours with employees from all across the globe. Sessions are kept small to ensure that everyone there is comfortable, and feedback is passed on anonymously. This allows us to ensure that our leadership team is kept well informed of the needs and desires of our workforce, and to incorporate that into their leadership styles.
Generating feedback in this way is incredibly valuable, but listening can also occur on a much smaller scale. On a day to day basis, simply taking the time to talk and truly listen to others will offer huge insights into their lived experiences. Within any organisation there will be people dealing with huge challenges, both in the workplace and in their personal lives. Understanding these is the first step in creating a workplace culture that serves everyone. Afterall, how can any company expect its diversity and inclusion efforts to be successful if they aren’t able to identify the unique challenges within their organisation?
Whilst increasing empathy is important, there must also be a focus on outcomes. Leaders who have learned about their workforce’s perspectives should ensure that they are actively using this knowledge to drive change. Employees want to see that their feedback is driving meaningful action.
Ask yourself: what programmes have been created based on the feedback given? What support is now offered as a result of conversations with staff? How has my leadership style altered to better serve the needs of the staff in my organisation?
By both taking the time to slow down and really understand the needs and perspectives of staff, and then ensuring that those insights are turned into real change, leaders are setting themselves up for the best chance of success in building a positive and inclusive workplace.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.