Empathy and social connection in the legal profession
Emily Jarrett is the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program (MOLAP) clinician and well-being coordinator.
According to a survey reported in Harvard Business Review of 1,624 full-time employees, lawyers are the loneliest of all professionals. For many, the experience of feeling alone drives addiction, depression, stress, burnout, and relationship turmoil, impacting the ability to do effective work and support clients. In fact, research shows that loneliness has the same effect as 15 cigarettes a day in terms of health outcomes and health care cost.
The need for social well-being and connection in law is evident. Lawyers can foster connection during Well-Being Week in Law and beyond by demonstrating empathy, increasing prosocial behaviors, and building interdependent relationships based on trust and respect. This week, consider taking a moment to intentionally foster social connection. Whether that is by active listening, volunteering, or going out to lunch with a coworker, small steps can make a meaningful difference.
Citations:
https://hbr.org/2018/03/americas-loneliest-workers-according-to-research