Managers Score Below Average on Empathy, Study Finds

Stop performance drifts. Set clear expectations and coach better.

Performance management doesn't have to be a dreaded, once-a-year event. With Workleap Performance, you can transform reviews into ongoing coaching opportunities that drive growth.

HR Trends: Managers Score Below Average on Empathy, Study Finds

A report based on personality assessments of more than 4,000 managers found that leaders often show lower emotional sensitivity than the general population. The research reviewed nearly two decades of personality data and revealed that managers consistently scored below average in traits related to empathy, anxiety, and cooperativeness. While some emotional distance may help leaders make difficult decisions, it can also create gaps between managers and employees. Experts note that this distance can cause leaders to miss early warning signs of employee concerns or dissatisfaction. HR teams may need to encourage active listening and regular engagement to balance decisiveness with emotional awareness. Read more.

HR Insights: HR Leaders Asked to Put People First in the Age of AI

HR professionals are being urged to take a stronger role in guiding how artificial intelligence enters the workplace. Experts argue that AI should not remain solely a technology project managed by IT teams. HR leaders must act as the “human conscience” of AI by focusing on fairness, transparency, and accountability in how these systems affect employees. Without proper oversight, AI tools used in hiring or performance decisions may reinforce bias or create confusion around accountability. Responsible implementation requires clear governance, employee communication, and review mechanisms that allow workers to challenge AI-driven decisions. Read more.

HR Tips and Tricks

Tip: Many organizations rely on the same manager to run weekly team meetings. A simple practice is to rotate the role of meeting leader among team members. Each person prepares the agenda, guides the discussion, and summarizes action items. This approach builds confidence, improves communication skills, and reveals emerging leadership talent that may not appear in traditional evaluations.

Trick: Exit interviews often reveal problems only after employees have decided to leave. A better approach is the stay interview. HR schedules short conversations with current employees to ask what keeps them at the company and what might cause them to consider leaving. These discussions uncover problems early and provide managers with clear actions to improve retention.

HR Case Files: Bloomberg Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Retaliation for Medical Leave

Bloomberg LP is facing a federal lawsuit from a senior software engineer who claims the company retaliated against him for taking medical and family leave. The engineer alleges that after several approved leaves between 2021 and 2025, his responsibilities, performance reviews, and compensation were gradually reduced. Two of the leaves were to care for his child with a serious medical condition, while the others addressed his own mental health. The lawsuit claims that internal complaints to HR did not lead to meaningful action. The case is currently before a federal court in New York and the allegations have not yet been proven. Read more.

Key Takeaways:

• Retaliation claims may arise even when leave is formally approved.

• Documentation of role changes after employee leave is essential.

• HR complaint channels must show evidence of follow-up action.

• Medical and family leave protections remain a major legal risk area for employers.

HR Toolkit

Resources

Leadership development often begins with reading. A curated list of recommended titles highlights books that help HR professionals strengthen people management skills. The selections cover themes such as psychological safety, communication, inclusive leadership, and self-awareness. Titles include works that examine trust-based leadership, coaching methods, and personal resilience. Research on CEOs shows that many top leaders maintain regular reading habits and use insights from books to refine how they approach problems and culture building. For HR professionals, building a personal reading list can provide practical lessons that influence everyday leadership decisions. Know more.

Events

The Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo 2026 will bring together HR executives and chief human resources officers to discuss the future of workforce strategy. The conference features keynote sessions, workshops, and expert discussions focused on leadership, talent strategy, and emerging workplace trends. Participants can connect with peers, learn from Gartner analysts, and explore new solutions in the HR technology exhibition area. The event also includes roundtables and expert sessions that help leaders translate research insights into practical action plans. The gathering aims to provide guidance on major HR challenges and emerging workforce strategies.

Click here to be a part of this event

Showcase your brand/product/services in our newsletter and reach over 39,000 industry leaders in human resources! Contact us today to advertise with HR Jolt.

Disclosure: Some content in this newsletter may be sponsored or include affiliate links. Marketer Jolt might earn commissions or have a business interest in featured companies. Read our privacy policy