Rehumanize Work: When Did Compassion Become Optional?

Kelly Nagel
15 minutes ago
2 min read

Something has shifted in the workplace, and not in a good way.

More and more often, I’m hearing stories from incredible professionals who have been caught completely off guard. One day they are leading projects, mentoring colleagues, and getting positive feedback. The next, they are out — no warning, no severance, no conversation about what comes next.

These are not isolated events. They are becoming a troubling pattern.

And what’s worse is that it’s happening quietly, without accountability.

When Leadership Forgets Humanity

We talk constantly about empathy, inclusion, and psychological safety. But when difficult moments arise — layoffs, restructuring, or performance conversations — too many leaders abandon those very principles.

The truth is, how we treat people in the hardest moments reveals who we really are as leaders.

When someone who has given their best is suddenly dismissed without care or compassion, the message is clear: people are replaceable, and loyalty is a one-way street.

That is not leadership. That is fear disguised as strategy.

A Culture Check for Every Leader

If you are a leader, pause for a moment and ask yourself:

How would I feel if this happened to me?
What message does my organization send in the way we handle exits?
Am I creating safety — or anxiety — in the people I lead?

Culture is not what you print on a poster or repeat in a town hall. It is defined by how people feel after interacting with you. It is built (or destroyed) in the moments when empathy is needed most.

Choosing Compassion Over Control

Rehumanizing work doesn’t mean lowering standards. It means leading with honesty, respect, and care. It means giving feedback early and often, supporting people through transitions, and remembering that we are all human beings navigating uncertainty.

As leaders, we have a choice. We can perpetuate fear — or we can lead with heart.

If You’re Feeling Blindsided or Stuck, You’re Not Alone

If you have been on the receiving end of one of these experiences, I see you. You are not defined by what happened to you, and you are not broken.

You may be in shock, doubting yourself, or unsure of your next move. This is where coaching can help you pause, reflect, and rebuild your confidence and clarity — so you can move forward with purpose.

I’m offering a limited number of free 30-minute coaching sessions for professionals navigating change, uncertainty, or burnout.

Let’s talk about where you are now, what you need most, and how to reframe your next chapter with clarity, confidence, and control.

👉 Book your free 30-minute session here https://calendly.com/knagel-n9q/new-meeting-1