“Are People Working Here Stupid?” A Case for Compassion and Positive Psychology in the Workplace
Why Compassion Training for Managers Matters at Work?
I’ll never forget the day my manager asked, “Are people working here stupid?” after the team made a small mistake. It wasn’t just a comment—it was a reminder that how words can destroy morale, trust and motivation. At that moment me and my colleagues were all labeled as "stupid” because of a mistake. Instead of encouraging growth, it fostered an atmosphere of blame and anxiety. That moment marked a turning point for me. It highlighted the critical need for compassion and understanding in leadership—qualities that are often missing in today’s fast-paced work environments.
I can feel that out there there are many employees who have faced similar situations and became a victim of their manager’s communication style.
But what’s the solution?
Can managers improve how they communicate?
The answer is YES!
Communication and leadership are skills that can be practiced and improved. Now, take a moment to pause and ask yourself—if you were the manager, how would you have reacted when your team made a mistake?
There is no perfect answer, but many managers in stressful situations default to negative thoughts and words. What’s important is becoming aware of your emotions, pausing, and responding compassionately. This ability to manage stress and communicate effectively is essential for creating a healthy workplace environment.
This personal experience is one of the reasons I’ve made it my mission to help organizations create healthier, more supportive workplaces. And with World Mental Health Day with a special theme on workplace well-being, a theme that aligns perfectly with my work as an Occupational Wellbeing Specialist focused on positive psychology.
Why Workplace Well-Being Matters More Than Ever - Why Positive Psychology Matters at Work?
This year, the theme for World Mental Health Day is Workplace Well-Being, highlighting the role of organizations in supporting workplace mental health. Burnout doesn’t just affect an individual’s well-being; it also negatively impacts overall productivity, team morale, and company finances. Poor mental health in the workplace leads to higher turnover, lower engagement, and increased absenteeism. Among various factors contributing to overall well-being, work-related well-being stands out as the most influential on individuals' holistic well-being There are five universal elements of well-being that distinguish a fulfilling life from a less satisfying one. These include work- related well-being, social well-being, financial well-being, physical well-being, and community well-being. Importantly, these elements are interconnected, and challenges in one area can affect an individual's overall well-being in their daily life. According to research, work-related well-being is the most essential one.
Do you know that we spend above 30% of our lives at work and Low wellbeing at workplace has beyond effects on an individual's health, there is evidence indicating that workplace stress is linked to lower relationship quality with spouses, children, and other family members contributing to marital disharmony and potential divorce. As we know all these, and me as a person who has suffered from burnout at workplace it is time to take care of our mental health at workplace and learn how to set boundaries, feel confident with our weaknesses, analyze our strength and use them for our happiness. And that’s where positive psychology at work, employee well-being programs and compassion training come in.
Positive Psychology and Compassion: The Keys to Healthier Workplaces
As an Occupational Wellbeing Specialist, my approach is rooted in two core principles: positive psychology for employees and compassionate leadership for managers.
Positive psychology focuses on building strengths rather than solely addressing problems. For instance, instead of asking "What’s wrong at work?" I ask, "What’s going well?" Every workplace has challenges, but the goal is to foster resilience and encourage employees to use their strengths to navigate difficulties. Through positive psychology coaching, I help companies develop strengths-based cultures that enable employees to thrive.
On the other hand, compassionate leadership is about empathy and understanding. When managers respond to mistakes with compassion, they don’t just avoid burnout—they create an environment where employees feel supported, safe, and motivated. Mistakes become learning opportunities, which builds trust and promotes long-term success.
From Real-Life Experience to a Business Idea
Years ago, I was struggling with workplace burnout and severe anxiety disorder. For a year, I suffered from daily panic attacks and found myself isolating at home, unable to face the world. I even attempted self-harm. Despite going to therapy, I felt burdened by the constant focus on my traumas. Medication didn’t help either.
Then I discovered the power of self-compassion—and everything changed. It wasn’t just about healing my anxiety and depression; it transformed me into someone more resilient, positive, and energized. This personal transformation inspired me to specialize in this field, turning my story into a mission to help others.
In honor of World Mental Health Day, I want to invite you to reflect on your own mental well-being, especially at work.
Are you taking care of your mental health? If not, it’s time to make a change.
In Honor of World Mental Health Day: Our Website Is Live
I’m thrilled to announce the official launch of Angela on October 10th! This year’s theme, Workplace Well-Being, perfectly aligns with my mission to help organizations create healthier work environments.
To celebrate our launch, I’m offering a 50% discount on all services for a limited time. Whether it’s positive psychology coaching or compassion training for managers, now is the perfect time to invest on your mental health.
Workplace well-being and individual mental health are more important than ever. Whether you’re a manager looking to build a compassionate and supportive work environment, or an individual seeking to overcome burnout and boost your well-being, I’m here to help :)
For Organizations: Invest in your team’s well-being with our positive psychology coaching and compassion training for managers—tools that create healthier, more resilient and productive workplaces.
For Individuals: Take the first step towards a more fulfilling life by exploring our one-on-one positive psychology coaching. Together, we’ll focus on your strengths and help you navigate challenges with resilience, confidence and compassion.
