Its 2024 Global Culture Report found when leaders do express empathy, just 52% say it’s accompanied by meaningful action and support.

Robert Ordever, European managing director of O.C. Tanner, said progressive organisations often champion the importance of empathetic leadership.

He said: “This approach strengthens connections between leaders and their people, but it’s unlikely to be effective if the empathy is seen as hollow and meaningless due to a lack of follow-up action.

“Empathetic leadership is crucial but it must always be accompanied by a meaningful action otherwise the leader’s words will appear empty and insincere”

The report warned leaders against viewing empathy as just warm and fuzzy words and initiatives that have little usefulness and instead recommended a practical approach to empathy.

Rachel Lewis, occupational psychologist and managing partner at Affinity Health at Work, said empathy can have a positive impact on employee wellbeing.

Speaking to HR magazine, she said: "Empathetic leadership has been found to positively impact team members wellbeing through increasing their sense of motivation for work, belonging and acceptance in work and trust in the leader.