Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work from edX

One of the key insights from the science of happiness is that our own personal happiness depends heavily on our relationships with others. By tuning into the needs of other people, we actually enhance our own emotional well-being. The same is true within organizations: those that foster trusting, cooperative relationships are more likely to have a more satisfied, engaged—and more productive and innovative—workforce, with greater employee loyalty and retention.

This course delves into the social and emotional skills that sustain positive relationships at work. It highlights the foundational and related skills of empathy and “emotional intelligence,” also known as EQ, which refers to the skills of identifying and regulating our own feelings, tuning into the feelings of others and understanding their perspectives, and using this knowledge to guide us toward constructive social interactions.

Drawing on research and real-world case studies, the course reveals how honing these skills promotes well-being within an organization, supporting everything from good management—managers high in empathy, for example, have employees who report being happier and take fewer sick days—to more effective teamwork, problem solving, and recovery from setbacks. The course also explains the psychological and neuroscientific roots of cooperative, compassionate behaviors, making the case that these are not just “soft” skills but core aspects of human nature that serve basic human needs as well as the bottom line.

What’s more, it offers practical ways to strengthen empathy, trust, and collaboration among teams and resolve conflicts more constructively—with a special emphasis on how socially intelligent leadership can build cultures of belonging and engagement.

The course instructors are expert faculty from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., and Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., whose earlier edX course, The Science of Happiness, has been a global phenomenon, inspiring a half million students worldwide. Here they take a central insight from that course—that our personal well-being is entwined with our social connections—and explain how to apply it to the modern workplace to create more productive, satisfying experiences at work.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Discover the psychological and biological roots of empathy, trust, and cooperation
Understand how the skills of emotional and social intelligence support organizational happiness and productivity

Develop research-based strategies for strengthening empathy and resolving conflicts constructively
Learn how to lead with social intelligence

Discover the psychological and biological roots of empathy, trust, and cooperation
Understand how the skills of emotional and social intelligence support organizational happiness and productivity
Develop research-based strategies for strengthening empathy and resolving conflicts constructively
Learn how to lead with social intelligence

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Designed for individuals working in organizations, including managers, team leaders, and employees

Informed by research and real-world case studies, providing practical insights

Focuses on developing empathy, trust, and collaboration, essential skills for workplace success

Led by experienced faculty from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, known for their expertise in well-being and social behavior

Reviews summary

Practical emotional intelligence for professionals

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive and highly practical understanding of emotional intelligence and empathy, particularly within the workplace. Learners frequently highlight its research-backed insights, presented by engaging and expert instructors from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. The course is lauded for offering actionable strategies for strengthening relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive organizational culture. While its content is largely seen as immediately applicable to professional settings, some learners note the material may be more foundational for those already experienced in the field, though still valuable for refreshing skills and gaining new perspectives on socially intelligent leadership.

Effectiveness depends on active self-engagement.

"The course truly challenges you to look inward and apply the concepts to your own behaviors."

"To get the most out of it, you really need to commit to the self-reflection exercises and practice."

"I found the learning effective because it wasn't just passive; it demanded active participation and introspection."

Led by knowledgeable and charismatic faculty members.

"The instructors, Dr. Keltner and Dr. Simon-Thomas, are phenomenal; their passion made the learning enjoyable."

"I found the teaching style very engaging, making complex topics easy to grasp and relate to."

"Their expertise shines through, and they bring a lot of energy to the lectures."

Grounded in scientific research, offering robust understanding.

"The psychological and neuroscientific roots of empathy were fascinating and well-explained."

"I truly appreciated how the course consistently referred to research to support its claims."

"This course provides a strong foundation rooted in science, not just theory, which I found very credible."

Develops stronger relationships and effective conflict resolution.

"My communication skills and ability to understand others' perspectives have significantly improved."

"This course is invaluable for strengthening trust and cooperation within teams and resolving conflicts constructively."

"I now feel better equipped to navigate social interactions and foster a sense of belonging in my team."

Offers immediately applicable strategies for professional settings.

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work and team."

"This course provided me with actionable insights on conflict resolution that I've already used effectively."

"The focus on real-world case studies made the concepts incredibly relevant to my daily job."

Provides solid basics, but may be introductory for some.

"While highly informative, some parts felt a bit basic, especially for someone already familiar with EQ concepts."

"It's an excellent introduction to emotional intelligence, though I hoped for more advanced leadership strategies."

"I gained a solid foundation, perfect for beginners, but intermediate learners might find some sections less challenging."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work with these activities:

Review a Copy of Napoleon Hill's 'Think and Grow Rich'

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Reviewing 'Think and Grow Rich' will provide both historical and cultural context for the core tenets of the course; the principles of the course will be better understood when compared and contrasted with the principles of historical business leaders.

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Locate a copy of Napoleon Hill's 'Think and Grow Rich'.
Read a copy of Napoleon Hill's 'Think and Grow Rich'
Summarize each chapter in your own words
Identify the principles and techniques that Hill describes

Complete a practice quiz on communication skills.

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Clear communication is vital for developing and sustaining workplace relationships.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Find a practice quiz on communication skills online or in a textbook
Take the quiz
Review your results and identify areas where you need improvement

Practice active listening with a friend or family member.

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Practicing active listening is a great way to improve important interpersonal communication skills.

Browse courses on Active Listening

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Choose a friend or family member to practice with
Take turns talking and listening
When it is your turn to listen, make eye contact, nod your head, and ask questions to show that you are engaged

Six other activities

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Follow Emiliana Simon-Thomas's Lecture on Emotional Intelligence

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Emiliana Simon-Thomas has presented on Emotional Intelligence in a TED Talk; this lecture provides a strong foundation on a topic frequently used as case study examples in the course.

Browse courses on Emotional Intelligence

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Attend office hours of a TA or Instructor to ask specific questions about the course.

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Office hours are a great resource to clarify topics and improve understanding of course content.

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Check the course syllabus to identify your TA's or instructors' office hours
Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask
Attend office hours and ask your questions

Try Emiliana Simon-Thomas's Emotional Intelligence Assessment

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This self-assessment from Emiliana Simon-Thomas will help you evaluate your own understanding of your own emotions, a skill needed to sustain positive working relationships.

Browse courses on Emotional Intelligence

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Follow the link to Emiliana Simon-Thomas's Emotional Intelligence Assessment
Take the assessment
Reflect on your results

Explore examples of successful team-building exercises.

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Strong teamwork is vital to fostering positive relationships in the workplace.

Browse courses on Team Building

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Search online for examples of team-building exercises
Read articles or watch videos about team-building exercises

Volunteer at your local social service agency.

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Gain real-life practice putting empathy into practice and improving social skills.

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Contact your local social service agency to inquire about opportunities
Complete any required training or paperwork
Attend your scheduled shifts

Resolve a conflict with a friend or family member.

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Practice putting your conflict resolution skills to the test in a low-stakes environment to build confidence.

Browse courses on Conflict Resolution

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Identify a conflict that you are currently experiencing with a friend or family member
Schedule a time to talk to the other person about the conflict
Use your conflict resolution skills to try to resolve the conflict

Career center

Learners who complete Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. They develop data models, perform statistical analyses, and create data visualizations. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Data Analysts because it can help them develop the skills they need to communicate their findings to stakeholders and decision-makers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Customer Success Manager

Customer Success Managers help customers achieve success with a product or service. They provide support, training, and onboarding for customers. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Customer Success Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with customers and understand their needs.

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Account Manager

Account Managers manage relationships with clients. They provide support, resolve issues, and develop new business opportunities. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Account Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with clients and understand their needs.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They lead teams, manage budgets, and track progress. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Project Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with team members and stakeholders.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. They manage staff, develop processes, and ensure that the business runs smoothly. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Operations Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with staff and customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They develop and implement solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Business Analysts because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with stakeholders and understand their needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee all aspects of a nonprofit organization. They are responsible for fundraising, program development, and staff management. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with donors, volunteers, and staff.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers help organizations build and maintain a positive public image. They develop and implement public relations campaigns, and they manage media relations. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Public Relations Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with the media and the public.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They conduct market research, identify target markets, and develop marketing strategies. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Marketing Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with customers and understand their needs.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams. They develop sales goals, train sales representatives, and monitor sales performance. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Sales Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with customers and understand their needs.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate difficult life situations, such as poverty and homelessness. They provide support and guidance, and they advocate for the rights of their clients. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Social Workers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with clients and understand their needs.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of HR for an organization. They are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees and they also oversee employee benefits and compensation. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Human Resources Managers because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with employees and understand their needs.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance. They analyze business processes, identify problems, and develop solutions. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Management Consultants because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with clients and understand their needs.

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Organizational Psychologist

Organizational Psychologists help organizations improve their performance by studying the behavior of employees. They design and implement programs to improve employee morale, productivity, and satisfaction. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Organizational Psychologists because it can help them develop the skills they need to build relationships with employees and understand their needs.

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Counseling Psychologist

Counseling Psychologists typically work in mental health settings. They help people with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. The Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work course may be useful for Counseling Psychologists because it can help them develop the skills they need to build rapport with clients and understand their needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counseling Psychologist