Free Empathy Calculator – How Empathetic Are You?
As a wellbeing speaker who helps companies support the health and wellbeing of their employees, I’ve seen first hand how embracing empathy can create positive relationships, build employee connections, resolve disagreements and more.
In this blog there is a free empathy calculator to test your levels of empathy.
We also discuss what empathy is and the role it plays in the workplace.
Contents
What Does Your Empathy Score Mean?
Is Empathy Important in the Workplace?
How Can Companies Create An Empathetic Workplace?
FREE Empathy Calculator
This empathy calculator is also known as the Empathy Quotient. (EQ)
This empathy quotient has been taken from a book written by Simon Baron Cohen called Zero Degrees of Empathy.
There are 40 questions to answer which you should answer honestly to get the most accurate results.
Empathy Calculator
Empathy Score Chart
| Score Range | Empathy Level |
|---|---|
| 0-20 | Low Empathy |
| 21-32 | Below Average Empathy |
| 33-52 | Average Empathy |
| 53-63 | Above Average Empathy |
| 64-80 | High Empathy |
What is Empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
It’s like stepping into someone else’s shoes to see the world from their perspective.
When you notice a friend looking sad and you start to feel sad too, that’s empathy at work.
It’s more than just recognising someone’s emotions, it’s feeling them as if they were your own.
Empathy allows us to connect deeply with others, offering support and compassion when they need it most.
This connection is crucial because it helps build strong, trusting relationships.
Without empathy, our interactions would be shallow, and it would be harder to understand each other’s experiences, perspectives and needs.
What Does Your Empathy Score Mean?
Low Empathy
If your empathy score falls between 0 and 20, it suggests that you have low empathy.
This means you might find it challenging to understand or share the feelings of others.
You might struggle to notice when someone is upset or need help.
It's important to remember that empathy can be developed over time.
Being aware of your empathy level is the first step toward improvement.
You can work on becoming more empathetic by actively listening to others, asking how they feel, and trying to understand their perspectives.
Below Average Empathy
A score between 21 and 32 indicates below-average empathy.
You may find it easier to connect with people you know well, but still struggle with understanding the feelings of acquaintances or strangers.
Sometimes, you might miss emotional cues or not respond as sensitively as you could.
Improving your empathy involves paying more attention to people’s emotions and practicing putting yourself in their shoes.
Small changes in how you interact with others can make a big difference in building stronger, more empathetic relationships.
Average Empathy
Scoring between 33 and 52 means you have average empathy.
You’re generally good at understanding and sharing others’ emotions, especially with people you are close to.
However, there’s always room for improvement.
To enhance your empathy, try to engage more deeply in conversations, show more interest in others’ feelings, and respond with compassion.
By doing this, you can strengthen your connections and be more supportive to those around you.
Being empathetic not only helps others but also enriches your own life with more meaningful relationships.
Above Average Empathy
An empathy score between 53 and 63 indicates above-average empathy.
You are quite good at sensing and understanding the emotions of others, often responding with care and concern.
People likely see you as compassionate and supportive.
To maintain and further develop this strength, continue practicing active listening and showing empathy in various situations.
Your ability to connect with others is a valuable trait that can inspire and comfort those around you.
Keep nurturing this ability, and you’ll continue to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
High Empathy
If your score is between 64 and 80, you have high empathy.
You excel at understanding and sharing the emotions of others, often intuitively.
This makes you a very caring and supportive friend or family member.
People probably come to you for advice and comfort because they trust your understanding nature.
To sustain this level of empathy, keep being mindful of others' feelings and use your empathetic skills to help and support those in need.
Your high empathy is a powerful tool for creating strong, loving relationships and making the world a kinder place.
Why is Empathy Important?
Empathy is important because it helps us connect and understand others on a deeper level.
When we understand and share someone else’s feelings, it helps to strengthen our relationship and build trust.
Imagine a friend or colleague is going through a tough time.
If you can truly feel and understand their pain and offer genuine support, it shows that you care.
This helps to build a stronger bond between you and your friend or colleague.
Empathy also helps to reduce conflicts by helping us understand different viewpoints and respond with kindness rather than anger or judgment.
In everyday life, empathy enables us to be more compassionate and considerate towards others.
It’s not just about feeling for others, it’s about understand and acting in ways that improve their wellbeing and, in turn, enrich our own lives.
Is Empathy Important in the Workplace?
Yes, empathy is very important in the workplace.
When colleagues understand and share each other’s feelings, it creates a positive and supportive environment.
This can lead to better teamwork, collaboration and connection.
For example, if someone is struggling with a heavy workload, an empathetic colleague might offer help or simply listen to their concerns.
This kind of support makes employees feel valued and understood, boosting morale and job satisfaction.
Empathy also helps managers lead more effectively.
When managers show they care about their team’s wellbeing, employees are more likely to feel motivated and engaged.
It can also help to reduce workplace conflicts, as understanding different perspectives helps resolve issues more smoothly.
In addition, empathy can create innovation.
When people feel safe and supported, they are more willing to share ideas and take creative risks.
Overall, empathy in the workplace leads to a more productive, and innovative environment, benefiting both employer and employee.
How Can Companies Create An Empathetic Workplace?
Creating an empathetic workplace is not easy but here are a few strategies that companies can implement:
Encourage Open Communication
In almost everything, clear communication is key.
Companies should embrace a culture where employees feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings.
This could involve things like regular check-ins, open-door policies, and team meetings where everyone’s voice is heard.
When employees know their opinions and emotions matter, they feel more valued.
Provide Empathy Training
Offering training programs that teach empathy skills can be beneficial to any company.
These programs can include activities that improve active listening, emotional intelligence, and understanding different perspectives.
This helps employees better relate to and support their colleagues.
Lead by Example
Leadership and management play a big role in setting the tone for the workplace.
When managers and executives demonstrate empathy in their interactions, it sets a standard for the rest of the company.
Leaders should show concern for employees' wellbeing, acknowledge their challenges, and celebrate their successes.
Create Support Systems
Establishing support systems like employee assistance programs, wellbeing workshops, mental health resources, and peer support groups can make a big difference.
These resources provide employees with the help they need to manage stress and personal issues.
This shows that the company cares about their overall wellbeing.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is another way to show empathy.
Flexible working hours, remote work options, and respecting personal time help employees manage their work alongside their personal lives.
This can reduce burnout and increases job satisfaction.
Recognise and Reward Empathy
Companies should recognise and reward empathetic behaviour.
Acknowledging employees who demonstrate kindness, support, and understanding towards their colleagues can reinforce the importance of empathy in the workplace.
Champion Diversity and Inclusion
Creating a diverse and inclusive environment where different backgrounds and perspectives are valued can help to enhance empathy.
Employees are more likely to understand and appreciate each other’s experiences, leading to a more empathetic and cohesive team.
Implementing these strategies can help companies build a workplace where employees embrace empathy, leading to happier, more engaged, and more productive employees.
I hope this article has provided some insight on empathy.
At Loving Life we help companies support the health and wellbeing of their employees with our employee wellbeing services.
Get in touch for more info!
Author –
Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker
BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation
