For most of us, work is a necessity.
Bills exist. So we show up, clock in and get the job done.
But what happens when just thinking about work drains your energy? It’s totally normal to feel frustrated sometimes, but staying stuck in that negativity makes everything harder.
The good news? You can shift your mindset and rediscover purpose, even in a physically demanding and high-stakes industry like aviation safety and construction.
Alder Airfield Services has found that one of the most powerful ways to improve morale and productivity isn’t just about processes or paychecks, it’s about empathy.
Reflecting on Your Own Frustrations
When a worker doesn’t return for the next job, we always ask why.
Of course, sometimes it’s just the nature of seasonal or short-term roles. But over time, we noticed another pattern. Workers who walked away often mention something unnecessarily negative, such as tension on the jobsite, poor communication or interpersonal friction.
Our learn: You don’t always hear these things in a formal exit interview. But when people feel disrespected or disconnected on a job site, they don’t forget that. And they don’t always come back.
If you want to empathize with your crew, begin by asking yourself: What frustrates me at work?
- Is it a toxic colleague?
- Feeling overlooked?
- A heavy workload with little support?
Naming your own stressors makes it easier to imagine what your workers might be carrying. Once you’ve found the root of your own tension, you’re better equipped to address it and shift how you respond.
More often than not, communication is the missing piece
A 2021 Catalyst study found that leaders who display empathy reduce burnout, increase engagement and help their teams navigate stress more effectively, especially during uncertainty or conflict.
Even on tough days, there’s always something good to hold onto.
Maybe this job pays better than your last.
Maybe it’s helping you build skills or work toward a bigger goal.
Maybe the crew you’re with makes the day go faster.
That mindset shift is just as important for you as it is for the people working around you.
We talk a lot about productivity and safety in our industry, but they’re directly tied to how people feel on the job. When folks feel seen and appreciated, they show up stronger. So look for signs of positivity in your team.
Is someone smiling more than usual? Taking initiative? Pair those observations with a quick word of encouragement, such as “Thanks for showing up today,” or “I noticed how you handled that situation. That was great.”
Simple, specific praise goes a long way.
See the humanity in your team
Just like you, your crew members are working toward something bigger in their lives. Maybe it’s supporting family, saving for a vacation or learning skills for a future role.
When you recognize that shared human drive, empathy becomes instinctive.
Here’s the science: your brain is flexible. It can rewire itself based on what you focus on, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity.
That means even small actions can create new mental patterns. One of the easiest of these is smiling. It might sound overly simple, but smiling (even a forced one) triggers your brain to release dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.
These natural chemicals improve mood, ease pain and reduce stress, according to Aultman Hospital’s research on the neurological effects of smiling. That small physical shift can ripple through your whole day. And when you feel a little better, it becomes easier to share that energy.
Give thanks and praise
Practicing gratitude is one of the most reliable ways to boost both your mood and your resilience.
Each day, try to name three things you’re grateful for at work. It could be something as small as a quiet lunch break or as big as a finished project.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, expressing gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness. It helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, and even deal with adversity more effectively.
Gratitude is contagious. When someone takes the time to acknowledge you, you carry that into your next interaction. And before you know it, you’ve lifted the whole crew’s energy.
A simple comment, such as, “nice work out there today,” might be exactly what someone needs to hear to come back tomorrow ready to go.
Lead with purpose
Work is a fact of life. But how do we experience it? That’s within our control.
By reflecting on your own challenges, looking for purpose and choosing to notice the good, you can create a more fulfilling workday for the people who work for you and for yourself. We know it’s not about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing that mindset matters, and that empathy is a powerful tool in leadership, especially in industries where boots hit in all kinds of weather.