Emotional Intelligence: Top #10 workplace benefits

Daniel Goleman popularised ‘Emotional Intelligence’ in his 1995 book of the same name. Almost thirty years on, we don’t seem to talk about it as much. Does emotional intelligence (EI) still have a role to play in your workplace?

What is Emotional Intelligence?

EI has been described as “…the ability to monitor one’s own and other people’s emotions, to discriminate between different emotions and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour”.

Relevance

As EI affects human behaviour, it directly influences every aspect of work life, from personal performance to team collaboration and leadership effectiveness.

Top #10 benefits

#1      Improved communication

Better understanding of emotions, communicating more effectively, with more precise and productive interactions, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.

#2      Better teamwork and collaboration

Working well in teams by recognising and respecting their colleagues’ emotions and perspectives. A collaborative environment where people feel valued and understood enhances team cohesion and performance.

#3      Enhanced leadership

Leaders with high EI are more adept at inspiring and motivating their teams. They can empathise, provide appropriate support, and create a positive work environment, increasing employee satisfaction and retention.

#4      Effective conflict resolution

Better equipped to handle conflicts constructively. Staying calm under pressure, listening to all sides, and finding mutually beneficial solutions helps maintain a harmonious workplace.

#5      Increased adaptability

People who high EI are more adaptable to change so can manage stress and help others cope with transitions, making your organisation more resilient and flexible when facing challenges.

#6      Enhanced job performance

People with high EI tend to perform better at their jobs. They can manage their time effectively, stay motivated, and maintain a positive attitude, all of which contribute to higher productivity and quality of work.

#7      Better decision making

EI enables people to make more balanced and informed decisions. Understanding one’s emotions and those of others allows one to weigh options more objectively and choose the best course of action for the organisation.

#8      Positive work environment

A workplace that values EI tends to have a more positive atmosphere. People feel supported and understood, leading to higher morale and job satisfaction, reducing turnover and absenteeism.

#9      Improved customer relations

Better understanding and meeting customers’ needs means handling customer complaints empathetically and finding solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

#10    Enhanced organisational culture

Creating a culture of empathy, support, and mutual respect improves internal relations. It enhances the organisation’s reputation and attractiveness to potential employees and clients.

Comment

With the growth in AI, the human factor of EI is even more important to the workplace. Technological advancements can be integrated empathetically, ethically, and effectively, addressing the emotional and social dimensions of change.

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