In everything from high-performing workplaces and healthy relationships, compassion isn’t a bonus; it’s a baseline. It’s what builds trust before strategy, creates space for honest conversations and turns stress into solidarity. Compassion lets people feel safe to take risks, admit mistakes and support each other without fear of judgment. When we lead with heart, we create an environment where people don’t just function, they thrive. The compassion quotes below illustrate this and more.

Every day gives us a new opportunity to be compassionate and kind. A quiet word, a thoughtful gesture, a moment of patience—these are a few ways compassion shows up in real life. It’s how we listen when someone’s struggling and how we speak to ourselves when we fall short. These quotes about compassion and empathy offer a gentle reminder: how we treat others (and ourselves) matters more than we often realize. 

Powerful Quotes About Kindness and Compassion  

Kindness and compassion go hand in hand—one is the action and the other is the intention behind it. Together, they form the foundation of meaningful relationships, strong communities and emotionally healthy workplaces. These phrases of compassion show how recognizing someone’s pain doesn’t require grand acts. In fact, simply listening without judgment, offering help without being asked and treating ourselves and others with gentleness all go a long way. 

• “The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.” ―John Green, Looking for Alaska
• “No one has ever become poor by giving.” ―Anne Frank, Diary of Anne Frank: The Play
• “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ―R.J. Palacio, Wonder
• “Finally, to save the world, you must have compassion. You must ache for the poor and disenfranchised. You must fear for the vulnerable.” —William McRaven
• “I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.” ―Mother Teresa, A Gift for God: Prayers and Meditations
• “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” —John F. Kennedy
• “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” ―Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
• “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”―Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
• “Blessed are you who chooses to show up without judgment / with little gifts or small acts of practical help. / You know the gift of compassion.” —Kate Bowler
• “Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.” ―Fred Rogers, You Are Special: Words of Wisdom for All Ages from a Beloved Neighbor
• “If we are willing to stand fully in our own shoes and never give up on ourselves, then we will be able to put ourselves in the shoes of others and never give up on them.” ―Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
• “Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, just know in your heart it will be returned.” ―Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
• “I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.” —Jacinda Ardern

Related: 60+ Empathy Quotes to Inspire Understanding

Inspirational Quotes About Compassion to Foster Connection

Compassion is one of the most powerful tools we have for creating genuine connection, both in our personal lives and in the workplace. When we approach others with empathy and care, we break down barriers and foster trust, overcoming differences along the way. 

But compassion isn’t always easy. It can feel vulnerable, and over time, offering care without boundaries can lead to compassion fatigue. Still, when practiced mindfully, compassion can be the bridge that turns conflict into collaboration. These famous quotes about compassion can help us do just that. 

• “All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being, not just with my hands but with my heart.” ―Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me
• “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ―Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness
• “One man practicing kindness in the wilderness is worth all the temples this world pulls.” ―Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
• “Compassionate leadership means seeing employees both as individuals and as important parts of your organization. Compassionate leaders relate to their employees on a deeper level. They want to understand their team’s needs and provide the support they need to do their jobs well.” —Tony Robbins
• “There’s a large body of scientific evidence that those who serve others live longer, happier and more purposeful lives.” —Cory Keyes
• “True compassion does not come from wanting to help out those less fortunate than ourselves but from realizing our kinship with all beings.” ―Pema Chodron, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
• “I have no idea what’s awaiting me, or what will happen when this all ends. For the moment, I know this: there are sick people and they need curing.” ―Albert Camus, The Plague
• “Compassion is all-inclusive. Compassion knows no boundaries. Compassion comes with awareness, and awareness breaks all narrow territories.” ―Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power
• “A compassionate leader not only drives success but also fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture.” —Edward DeAngelis

Related: What’s the Secret of the Best Places to Work? 

Compassion Quotes for Work to Create Strong Teams 

Strong teams aren’t built on strategy alone—they’re built on connection, trust and compassion. When team members feel seen, valued and supported, collaboration deepens and performance improves. Compassion in the workplace isn’t just a soft skill. It’s a powerful force that fosters resilience, loyalty and shared purpose. These inspirational quotes about compassion show how it can be the glue that holds high-performing teams together. 

• “I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.” ―Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
• “Everyone has to matter. Everyone deserves respect and our effort to understand them and help them achieve whatever well‑being is possible for them.” —Atul Gawande
• “The small moments that may seem trivial… matter – more than you may realize…. Just 40 seconds of compassion can lower anxiety and create connection.” —Michael Kerr
• “[T]hough mindfulness and selflessness and compassion may sound slightly fluffy or weird, it’s really about having that ability to check in with what matters to human beings, whether they’re employees or leaders or children.” —Rasmus Hougaard
• “If one person forgives another person today, it makes two people’s lives easier! If you come from a place of forgiveness. It’s just more love for you!” —Gary Vaynerchuk
• “Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Try to feel what they feel. Try to hurt like they hurt. Have sympathy and compassion.” —Jim Rohn
• “Communicating with clarity, purpose, passion, and honesty will enable you to serve others in a profound way.” —Janice Bryant Howroyd
• “A compassionate leader builds trust and encourages and welcomes their employees to bring their whole selves to work, flaws and all. Employees are less stressed and more committed to getting their work done faster and with fewer mistakes.” —Heidi Lynne Kurtner
• “We are all different. Don’t judge, understand instead.” ―Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
• “Compassion is what makes us human, keeps us on track, and brings us back together when we’ve lost our way.” ―Nate Regier, Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results
• “If you’re asking how to create a more empathetic workplace, you’re already way ahead of everybody else.” —Daniel Lubetzky

Related: Why a Compassionate Leader Gets Results

Self-Compassion Quotes to Help You Be Your Best 

In a culture that often celebrates relentless productivity and self-criticism as virtues, self-compassion can feel like a radical act. But as these mindful self-compassion quotes remind us, caring for ourselves is not indulgent; it’s essential. True compassion starts within by acknowledging our struggles without judgment. It means speaking to ourselves with kindness and choosing gentleness over shame.

• “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” ―Jack Kornfield, Buddha’s Little Instruction Book
• “And it’s really hard to be truly kind. To have kind thoughts towards yourself, or towards someone you don’t agree with. But it’s the Seed, that will grow into action, if you nurture it.” —Sandra Oh
• “Self-compassion simply involves… giving yourself the same compassion you’d naturally show a friend when you’re struggling or feeling badly about yourself.… Instead of just ignoring your pain with a “stiff upper lip” mentality or getting carried away by your negative thoughts and emotions, you stop to tell yourself ‘this is really difficult right now, how can I comfort and care for myself in this moment?’” —Kristin Neff
• “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ―Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness
• “The choice to care for one’s self is non-negotiable when we experience burnout because otherwise we will just keep going in the way it’s going and then nobody is going to be happy.” —Chris Germer
• “The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that there was something wrong with me. I quit spending my life trying to control myself and began to trust myself. We only control what we don’t trust. We can either control ourselves or love ourselves, but we can’t do both. Love is the opposite of control. Love demands trust.” ―Glennon Doyle, Untamed
• “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” ―Pema Chödrön, The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times
• “[C]ompassion can be practiced on ourselves where we each day try to reinforce, ‘How am I valuable? How am I capable and how am I responsible for me every day?’ That way, we can be that anchor in the storm and keep that centered focus when everything seems to be going crazy around us.” —Nate Regier

‘Be Compassionate’ Sayings to Help Us Create a Better World

In a world that often rewards achievement over empathy, compassion—both for others and ourselves—has never been more essential. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating personal growth or simply trying to show up each day with intention, kindness can be a powerful tool for change. These original quotes by SUCCESS® contributors are reminders that creating a better world starts with how we treat each other—and how we treat ourselves. Use them to find personal motivation or to motivate your team. 

• “You deserve the kindness you give.”
• “Rest is not retreat. It’s repair.”
• “Speak to yourself like someone you trust.”
• “Progress counts more than pressure.”
• “Kindness is a strategy with no downside.”
• “Lead with care, and trust will follow.”
• “Compassion costs nothing but means everything.”
• “Listening is the quietest form of love.”
• “Grace belongs in your own inbox too.”
• “You’re doing the best you can. That matters.”
• “You don’t have to fix it—just see it.”
• “Respect is policy. Compassion is culture.”

Compassion Is How We Move Forward—Together

This world is challenging, filled with disconnection and hardships. Compassion can a powerful force for connection, healing and change. When we lead with empathy, practice kindness without expectation and extend grace to ourselves and others, we create spaces where people feel valued, understood and supported. Let these care and compassion quotes remind you that every small act of kindness can ripple outwards, and that compassion has the power to transform the world around us, one person at a time. 

Photo from fizkes/Shutterstock.com

What if “fun” isn’t the opposite of “work”—but the missing ingredient? In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Bree Groff, workplace culture expert and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously). We dig into how play, permission, and presence can transform not only the way we work—but the way we live.

Bree draws on her deep experience guiding Fortune 500 leaders through complex organizational change to offer a refreshingly human perspective on professionalism, productivity, and yes, pajama pants. This is more than a talk about workplace dynamics—it’s a conversation about reclaiming your days.

---

Six Discussion Points

• Why wishing away the workweek is wishing away your life
• How “fun” at work is often less about ping-pong tables and more about permission
• The myth of performative professionalism (and the case for stretchy pants)
• The role of novelty, creativity, and risk in making work feel meaningful
• Environment as a silent force shaping our work habits and culture
• How a simple question—“Was today fun?”—can reframe your entire life

Three Connection Points

Talking with Bree reminded me that the best kind of productivity—the kind I advocate for—is rooted in presence, play, and people. Her perspective is a timely nudge toward joy, and Today Was Fun is a book I’ll keep close for those days when the calendar feels heavier than it should. I hope this conversation lightens yours.

Want to support the podcast? You can subscribe to the show and leave quick rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts.

---

While some organizations are scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, others are maintaining their efforts. There’s also still a growing focus on DEI and inclusive company culture in the workplace, especially in corporate and startup companies. The shift toward diversity and inclusion in the workplace isn’t just a moral imperative–it can be a strategic advantage.

DEI not only promotes social responsibility in the workplace—it can also drive success. Diversity and inclusion encourage innovation, improve team performance and support employee well-being. Plus, it’s what employees want. According to LinkedIn, 80% of job seekers want to work for a company that values DEI initiatives. The Pew Research Center concurs, adding that most workers believe DEI in the workplace is beneficial and DEI-related policies have had a positive impact. 

This article explores the benefits of an inclusive company culture and details diversity and inclusion strategies to prepare organizations for long-term success.F

Understanding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

It can be helpful to break down the terms surrounding DEI in the workplace. 

Diversity 

Diversity is the representation of individuals in an organization with varying backgrounds based on race, age, gender, neurodiversity, political beliefs or religion. The more variety among workers, the more diverse the company is.

Equity 

Equity in the workplace refers to people being treated fairly and justly, creating an environment that doesn’t involve bias or favoritism. It recognizes that every person is unique and has their own unique needs. An equitable workplace works to make resources and opportunities available and accessible to everyone, taking into account their unique differences.  A key differentiator of workplace equity vs. equality is that there is access and opportunity based on each person’s individual needs. Tailoring resources and learning opportunities according to employee needs, transparent communication and merit-based pay are examples of equity in the workplace. 

Inclusion 

Inclusion refers to how well the presence and perspectives of workers are integrated into the environment. A truly inclusive workplace goes beyond hiring quotas—it’s about equity in the workplace and representation at all levels. Inclusive employees should also feel psychologically safe, meaning they feel comfortable speaking up and expressing concerns without fear of repercussion.

Belonging 

More recently, some companies have begun including the component of belonging. Rather than DEI, it becomes DEIB. This element refers to a genuine welcoming and desire for diversity and inclusion to exist in the workplace and for individuals to feel supported and valued. It goes beyond traditional DEI to create a positive community where everyone has psychological safety, ensuring people feel comfortable and included. 

Incorporating All the Elements 

A company that focuses on both diversity and inclusion will enjoy a diverse team set up for success. But performative actions don’t mean anything without authentic inclusion. It’s the difference between intent and impact. 

A diverse workplace doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inclusive. Diversity without inclusion can be toxic, while inclusion without diversity can stagnate a company. Companies need both. An environment that might seem diverse but where the perspectives of certain groups are valued over others is certainly not inclusive. For example, are 50% of your employees female, but none of them are managers? If so, you may be diverse in regard to gender, but if no women hold high-ranking positions, the company is not inclusive. Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are both needed to ensure equity.

The Tangible Benefits of Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Strategies

When companies invest in diversity and inclusion initiatives, they gain significant benefits, including enhanced creativity, innovation, profits, engagement and designs. 

Higher Creativity, Innovation and Decision-Making Performance

According to The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, “Multicultural teams are more creative than homogenous teams, as colleagues are able to share unique perspectives and experiences.” Similarly, a recent study found that “fostering an inclusive work environment can enhance a firm’s innovative capacity.” When a group with different perspectives and varied backgrounds comes together, they’ll likely push each other to think outside the box. This can result in new ideas and approaches. It could also contribute to better solutions and decision-making capabilities. 

Increased Profitability 

Companies in the top 25% for ethnic and cultural diversity were 36% more profitable than those in the bottom quarter, and when women are well represented in the C-suite, profits can be almost 50% higher, according to a 2020 McKinsey report. A follow-up McKinsey & Company report (2023) suggests that not only is there still a case for diversity, equity and inclusion, but that the need continues to become more important. From their global perspective, diversity benefits extend from leadership levels to boards. When reporting findings on boards of directors, McKinsey’s 2023 report found that companies in the top range for board-gender diversity were 27% more likely to have better financial performance, and those in the top range for ethnically diverse boards were 13% more likely to have better financial performance. 

More Accurate Product Design and Marketing Across Audiences

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace can help attract diverse talent from a bigger talent pool and increase your chances of finding the best hire. A diverse team can then contribute more accurate product design and marketing across diverse audiences by incorporating a wider range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. 

Take Rihanna’s line, Fenty Beauty, for example. Her inclusive move to launch 40 foundation shades matching a much broader range of skin tones skyrocketed to a commercial success that reshaped the beauty industry. TIME Magazine named Fenty Beauty one of 50 Genius Companies in 2018, stating it “reportedly made $100 million in sales in the first 40 days on the market.” 

Better Employee Engagement, Trust and Retention

According to Glassdoor, 76% of employees and job seekers say diversity “is an important factor when evaluating companies and job offers.” 

Inclusive workplace strategies can lead to happy employees and lower turnover rates. They also lead to better employee engagement, trust and retention. When employees are engaged and feel trusted, respected and valued—they are more likely to not only stay in their jobs but also put in the extra effort, which ripples into profitability and increased morale.  

DEI in the Evolving Workplace: Inclusive Language and Leadership Skills

The modern workplace has new challenges regarding inclusive communication and collaboration. The rise of remote and hybrid roles has many positive aspects, like flexibility and the opportunity to work with people around the globe. Yet, there are also potential downfalls, like a lack of visibility and recognition. Effective communication can be more difficult when relying solely on technology. However, as remote and hybrid work evolves, so must approaches to inclusion, accessibility and cross-cultural collaboration.

Provide Accessible & Equitable Workspaces

One way to make your business more inclusive is to build accessible, equitable workspaces, both digitally and physically. In-person office spaces should comply with ADA accessibility laws. All employees, whether remote, hybrid, or in-person, should also have access to accessible learning tools and technology, if needed. 

Supporting Mental Health and the Needs of a Diverse Workforce

Employers should also normalize mental health days and expand benefits to include mental health resources like therapy stipends and mindfulness apps. Supporting mental health and work-life balance across diverse needs positively impacts DEI efforts by creating a more inclusive environment where you’ll reduce burnout, improve retention and attract a diverse pool of talent.

Use Inclusive Leadership With Global Teams 

When managing global virtual teams, learning inclusive leadership skills is vital. When speaking with people across different geographies and from different backgrounds, you’ll gain cultural intelligence, which refers to the ability to work effectively with varied cultures. In today’s landscape, it’s critical for leaders to manage global teams where employees feel safe and included, with the confidence to share diverse perspectives. 

How Leaders Can Champion Racial Equity and Inclusive Leadership Skills

Embedding inclusive practices into hiring, onboarding and promotions is one way to create diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Farah Bala is Founder and CEO of FARSIGHT, a leadership development and coaching consultancy that prioritizes equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression as a core competency of leadership. She shares tips on improving DEI in the workplace below. 

Craft Inclusive Job Postings 

To start, she suggests crafting job postings “free from gendered, ableist or otherwise coded terminology,” and then “regularly review and update job descriptions to reflect values of equity, belonging and accessibility.”

Reduce Bias in Resume Reviews and Interviews 

When reviewing resumes and throughout the screening process, Bala suggests “[removing] identifying information where possible to reduce bias.” This creates a blind system so those reviewing resumes won’t see demographic characteristics, thereby reducing bias and supporting more equitable hiring outcomes.

Then, consider establishing a diverse interview panel. Offer DEI training for HR professionals and hiring managers on addressing unconscious bias in the workplace, and provide policies regarding what can’t be asked during an interview.

Offer Unconscious Bias Training Sessions

All humans have biases; if you think you’re unbiased, you’re wrong. Offering unconscious bias training sessions is a solid way to gain awareness and understand the impact of subconscious bias. Tools like the Implicit Association Test can also help individuals explore and uncover potential biases. A business ethics certificate can also be a valuable tool to achieve bias reduction in recruitment. 

Help Employees Feel Supported & Connected

Once employees are hired, establish (if they’re not already in place) employee resource groups (ERGs) and safe spaces. They’re an excellent way to foster the idea of belonging and connections at work, especially in large companies where employees are more likely to feel lost or disconnected. For example, consider starting an LGBTQ+ network. Safe spaces at work make employees feel supported, allowing their diverse perspectives to thrive and contribute to the company’s success.

Measure Progress on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Over time, continually measure progress with DEI key performance indicators and transparency throughout the hiring and onboarding process. Learn about workplace diversity trends and how to talk about diversity at work. Bala recommends establishing regular feedback opportunities to review the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion efforts. A few ideas of questions to ask include: 

• What worked well? 
• Where did bias or barriers appear? 
• What can be improved for next time?

Making DEI and Workplace Equity a Core Part of Company Culture

Instilling diversity and inclusion in the workplace can create a strong company culture where employees are happy, productive and feel like they belong. 

Try Simple Practices to Improve Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace  

Tips to achieve this include using inclusive language in the workplace and listening to what diverse employees have to say about what changes should be made. Employee voices and feedback loops are essential to gain vital information and improve processes. Set up one-on-ones, distribute an anonymous engagement survey platform like Betterworks Engage or establish focus groups using an outside facilitator to collect qualitative data.

Get Feedback to Inform Diversity & Inclusion Strategies 

If there is one rule of workplace inclusion, it’s that everyone has to buy in. Honest feedback from all employees helps organizations build long-term DEI strategies, not just one-off initiatives. The input allows leaders to hear inside information directly from the source—the employees. This allows companies to take action and update workplace inclusion best practices. It also creates accountability at all levels of the organization. Utilize this information to establish or update DEI goals, customize your strategy and create a culture where feedback is always welcome.

Spread Cultural Awareness & Celebrate With Your Team 

Also, consider celebrating cultural moments year-round. Most people already get traditional holidays off, like Christmas Day and Thanksgiving, but companies can also offer floating holidays to accommodate cultural or religious practices or events that might not currently be acknowledged. Introduce policies for honoring these cultural holidays or religious practices. 

Another way to show people you care about what matters to them is to celebrate with them. Ask your team which holidays they celebrate. Acknowledge and respect their traditions. Even a small celebration can be a powerful team activity as well as a fun way to celebrate and learn about different cultures represented in the workplace.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

The importance of workplace diversity is clear. Diverse and inclusive workplaces empower employees and lead to sustainable and impactful businesses. Despite what recent popular media might portray, measurable benefits exist from embedding diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership into core values. Start a conversation within your team about building a culture of belonging.

Photo by LightField Studios/Shutterstock.