What Happens When There’s a Lack of Humanity in the Workplace?

Today, in the rapidly evolving world of work, the concept of ‘humanity’ in the workplace is viewed as a business imperative. In a business context, humanity refers to emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, compassion, and dignity in the way business leaders treat their employees, customers, and the communities they serve. When a company lacks humanity, the consequences go far beyond employee dissatisfaction. It ripples across the business and impacts the customer experience.  

Lack of humanity in the workplace is down to a lack of human-centeredness in leadership. 

In their Human Leadership Guide, Garner states: 

“Business leaders must take a more human approach to leadership to attract and retain talent in the current environment. The call for more “human” leadership does not mean that leaders have an entirely new set of responsibilities; rather, they must achieve their same core responsibilities in a different way. Leaders must navigate a leader-to-employee relationship as well as a human-to-human one that necessitates human leadership: the ability to lead with authenticity, empathy, and adaptivity.”  

A quote within an article published by Forbes, 20 Consequences Of Promoting Leaders Who Lack People Skills, states: 

Promoting individuals without excellent people skills can lead to disengaged teams, higher turnover and a toxic work culture. C-level decision-makers should pause, as this could impede productivity, hinder innovation and impact the company’s bottom line. Effective leadership hinges on the ability to inspire, motivate and guide a team, making people skills a critical competency for success. - Anna Yusim, MD, Yusim Psychiatry, Consulting & Executive Coaching 

Want to learn more about human leadership? Read our blog, How to lead so people thrive.

Here are 5 ways the absence of humanity affects employees, the company, and its customers:  

1. A decline in employee morale and mental health

   A lack of humanity often manifests in cold and unapproachable leadership, rigid rules, high-handed managers, and a culture that prioritises profits over people. In such work environments, employees may feel unseen, undervalued, or like replaceable cogs in a machine. When people are consistently treated as resources rather than human beings with emotions and needs, it inevitably leads to decreased morale and poor mental health. 

   Employees subjected to unfair treatment – whether through excessive workloads, lack of support, or toxic workplace dynamics – often suffer from stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Over time, this creates a disengaged workforce where individuals are emotionally disconnected from their work and employer. The psychological toll can also spill over into employees’ personal lives, affecting relationships and overall well-being. 

2. Loss of trust and high staff turnover
   

   Trust is the cornerstone of any healthy business, and it is quickly eroded in a toxic workplace. When leaders are unapproachable, dismissive, or unsympathetic, employees begin to feel psychologically unsafe and prevented from expressing concerns, offering ideas, or even asking for help. This lack of psychological safety fosters fear, silence, and resentment. 

   In the end toxic businesses pay a high price for not being people-centric. In South Africa, and globally, talented professionals are increasingly choosing employers that offer meaning, purpose, and respect. When people feel disrespected or disposable, they are more likely to leave. High turnover follows, which leads to the loss of institutional knowledge, the disruption of team dynamics, and increased recruitment costs. Companies that neglect to treat people with dignity quickly earn reputations as toxic workplaces—making it harder to attract top talent. 

3. Inhibited innovation and collaboration

   Innovation thrives in  work environments where people feel safe, supported, and inspired. When a company lacks humanity, creative thinking and collaboration both take a back seat. Employees become more focused on survival than on innovation. They hesitate to take risks, or suggest new ideas, for fear of criticism or punishment. 

   Without human-centred leadership, cross-team collaboration also suffers. Departments become siloed, communication breaks down, and teamwork is replaced by individualistic or competitive behaviour. A cold and uncaring culture discourages the open sharing of insights, which is essential for problem-solving and creativity. As a result, businesses fall behind in adapting to change, meeting market demands, or outperforming competitors. 

4. A decline in customer experience

    There is a direct link between employee experience and customer experience. When employees feel disrespected or unsupported, it shows in how they engage with customers. A disengaged or unhappy employee is less likely to deliver great service or go the extra mile. They do not care to build positive relationships with clients. This is especially true in client-facing roles where staff directly influence brand perception. 

   Customers can sense when a company lacks heart. In today’s competitive market, where consumers are quick to share experiences online, poor service can damage a brand’s reputation overnight. Businesses that treat employees poorly may also face consumer backlash, as socially conscious customers increasingly demand ethical business practices, both inside and outside company.  

5. Long-term brand and business damage

    The lack of humanity in a company will eventually undermine its long-term sustainability. Businesses built on fear, pressure, or exploitation may deliver short-term results, but over time, they collapse under the weight of poor culture, a battle to retain talented people, and negative public perception. 

   Businesses that treat their people with care, fairness, and empathy tend to enjoy higher levels of employee loyalty, customer trust, and public goodwill. In this way, humanity has become a competitive advantage, especially in a world where purpose-driven business is on the rise. South African consumers, in particular, are placing greater value on brands that reflect their values of Ubuntu – “I am because you are” – that leads to a sense of community and interconnectedness. 

To learn more about the art of successful leadership, read our blog, “Leadership in action.” 

In conclusion 

Lack of humanity in the workplace doesn’t just harm employees—it weakens entire businesses and alienates customers. Companies that ignore this shift risk becoming irrelevant or facing public scrutiny. On the other hand, companies that embed humanity into their values, leadership, and daily operations not only attract great people and loyal customers – they also create more resilient, innovative, and sustainable businesses. Human-centred leadership fosters thriving cultures, drives innovation, and enhances customer experiences. South African businesses must continue to move away from outdated command-and-control models and embrace compassionate, inclusive, and people-first strategies. After all, businesses are not built by policies or profits alone—they’re built by people. And when people are treated with dignity, care, and respect, everybody wins. 

Over to you for sharing your comments and experiences.