ESCAPE GAME OFFICE

The Role of Empathy in Our Professional Lives

Carolina Gómez RománDanna Paola Alfaro Fuentes Jesus Alejandro Hernandez Villanueva Melani Denisse Arenas Vargas

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instructions

In this escape room, titled "The Role of Empathy in Our Professional Lives," your team of 4 to 5 players will work together to solve 4 professional communication scenarios, using a total of 15 clues. In each scenario, you’ll help a character overcome a communication challenge using empathy and constructive strategies. Assign roles, such as a Clue Reader to read clues aloud, a Scribe to take notes, a Communicator to make final selections, and Collaborators to support with analysis. Review the clues provided, and discuss which response shows the most empathy before making a final decision. Incorrect choices will give feedback to try again. By successfully completing all 4 scenarios, you’ll demonstrate how empathy can enhance communication and improve the work environment. Collaborate well, and let empathy guide you to success!

THE OFFICE

Sofia, the Stressed Graphic Designer

Sofia is a dedicated graphic designer at Empathy Inc. Recently, she has been assigned multiple high-priority projects, leading her to work late hours and feel burnt out. Sofia feels unappreciated, as if her hard work is going unnoticed, and she’s beginning to feel demoralized and exhausted. Help Sofia express her feelings constructively so her manager and team understand her situation. The goal is to support Sofia in effectively and empathetically communicating her concerns, allowing her to advocate for her well-being.

Clue 1

Edit the email to sound more constructive.

On Sofia’s computer, you’ll see the start of an email that she’s writing to her manager. The message reads: “I’m completely overwhelmed with the amount of work you keep sending my way. It feels like no one notices how hard I’m working, and honestly, I’m reaching my breaking point. Something needs to change.”

Send the email as is.

Clue 2

Ignore the tip and send the email.

A sticky note on Sofia’s desk provides a tip for empathetic communication: “Empathy Tip: Try expressing how you feel and what you need in a way that invites support. Focus on clarity rather than frustration.”

Edit the email to express feelings calmly and request support.

Clue 3

Talk to the manager in person.

A coworker’s message appears, suggesting Sofia talk to her manager about her workload: “Sofia, maybe talk to our manager about this. They’re usually open to finding solutions when we feel overloaded.”

Send the email without talking to the manager

Clue 1

Discuss the issue with the manager in a collaborative, respectful way.

A poster on the wall offers a reminder about communication best practices: “When sharing concerns, start by appreciating others’ efforts, state your feelings calmly, and ask for support.”

Tell the manager you are overwhelmed and need immediate changes.

Clue 5

Express your feelings to the manager in a clear, respectful conversation.

Sofia writes in her journal: “I feel like I’m constantly under pressure, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up without help.”

Reassure yourself that things will improve on their own.

Congratulations! You successfully guided Sofia to communicate her feelings in a constructive and empathetic way. By choosing to express her concerns calmly and clearly, she’s opened a door for collaboration with her manager, who now understands her situation and is more likely to offer support. Sofia feels heard and appreciated, and her manager acknowledges the need to balance workloads more effectively. Now, let’s move on to help the next colleague face their challenge with empathy!

THE OFFICE

Alex, the Overlooked Project Manager

Alex is a project manager at Empathy Inc. He’s been putting in extra hours to ensure projects meet deadlines, but he feels his contributions are overlooked by his team and supervisors. Recently, a key project succeeded, but no one acknowledged his efforts. Alex is beginning to feel unmotivated and undervalued. Help Alex express his feelings constructively so his team and supervisors recognize his contributions. The goal is to support Alex in advocating for recognition and fostering a sense of appreciation in his workplace.

Clue 1

Send the thank-you card as is.

On Alex’s desk, there’s an unsent thank-you card he planned to give his team after the successful project. It reads: “Thanks, everyone, for the hard work on the project. Your dedication made it possible!”

Add a message that encourages mutual appreciation.

Clue 2

Ignore the note and don’t mention your feelings to the team.

A sticky note appears on Alex’s desk with a reminder about communicating needs in the workplace: “Empathy Tip: It’s okay to express when you’d like recognition for your efforts. Appreciation goes both ways—share how you feel and invite others to acknowledge it.”

Politely share with the team that recognition is important to you, too.

Clue 3

Mention in the feedback that feeling appreciated would help improve motivation.

Alex’s company has recently circulated a team feedback form asking employees for input on team morale and support. Alex is debating how honest he should be.

Only focus on the technical aspects of projects in the feedback.

Congratulations! You’ve helped Alex take steps to communicate his desire for recognition. By adding appreciation to his thank-you card, voicing his need for acknowledgment, and sharing feedback constructively, Alex is more likely to receive the appreciation he deserves. He feels more valued and motivated, which strengthens his connection to his team. Now, let’s help the next colleague tackle their challenge with empathy!

THE OFFICE

Ben, the Frustrated Sales Representative

Ben is a sales representative at Empathy Inc. He’s been struggling to meet his sales targets lately, as he feels overwhelmed by constant client demands and internal pressure. He’s frustrated and feels that he doesn’t have enough support from his team, making it difficult for him to achieve his goals. Ben is unsure of how to approach his team leader to discuss the support he needs. Help Ben express his concerns constructively and request support from his team leader. The goal is to support Ben in advocating for himself in a way that opens up a constructive conversation.

Clue 1

Ignore the reminder and try to finish everything alone.

On Ben’s desk, there’s a to-do list with tasks piling up, making him feel anxious. Next to it, a sticky note with a reminder appears: “It’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling overloaded. Reaching out can be the first step toward managing stress.”

Consider asking for support on some of these tasks.

Clue 2

Respond defensively, saying you’re doing all you can.

On Ben’s computer, there’s an email from his team leader with feedback on recent performance, noting that while Ben is committed, his results could improve. “Ben, we appreciate your dedication, but I’d like to see you meeting more of your targets. Let me know if there’s anything you need to achieve this.”

Thank the leader and express that additional support could help improve results.

Clue 3

Choose a few resources that might be helpful and prepare to discuss them.

There’s a checklist of team resources on Ben’s desk, listing options like mentorship, additional training, and sales strategy meetings. Ben considers which of these could help him achieve his targets

Ignore the checklist and continue to struggle alone.

Clue 4

Write down his thoughts, acknowledging that asking for help is a sign of strength.

On Ben’s desk, there’s a small empathy journal he uses to reflect on challenges. His latest entry reads: “I feel overwhelmed with the demands but don’t know how to ask for help without seeming weak.”

Avoid the journal and continue without making any changes.

Congratulations! You’ve helped Ben recognize the value of asking for support and approaching his team leader with constructive feedback. By selecting resources he can request and expressing his need for assistance, Ben is more likely to receive the help he needs to meet his targets. Ben feels empowered, supported, and better equipped to handle his workload. Now, on to the final scenario!

THE OFFICE

Emma, the Underappreciated Customer Support Specialist

Emma is a customer support specialist at Empathy Inc., known for her patience and problem-solving skills. She spends hours resolving customer issues, often going above and beyond to help clients. Recently, however, she feels her extra efforts go unnoticed, leaving her demotivated and questioning if her hard work even matters. Emma wants to feel appreciated by her team and wonders how to express her feelings without sounding resentful. Help Emma communicate her desire for recognition in a way that fosters appreciation and team support. The goal is for Emma to express her needs constructively, creating a positive conversation with her team about the importance of appreciation.

Clue 1

Ignore the email and keep focusing on the next tasks.

On Emma’s computer, there’s an email from a satisfied customer, praising her exceptional service and patience. The customer writes: “Emma was wonderful in resolving my issue. She was patient, attentive, and made me feel valued. Thank you for such great support!”

Share the customer’s feedback with her team to encourage mutual appreciation.

Clue 2

Ignore the note and don’t mention your feelings to the team.

On Emma’s desk is a thank-you card from a coworker who appreciated Emma’s help on a recent project. The card reads: “Thanks for all your help, Emma. You really saved the day! Couldn’t have done it without you!”

Acknowledge the card and consider talking to her team.

Clue 3

Use this message as inspiration to speak about creating a culture of recognition.

There’s a poster on the wall about the value of empathy and recognition in the workplace: “Empathy and appreciation are essential in creating a supportive workplace. Recognizing each other’s efforts fosters a positive environment.”

Ignore the poster and keep her feelings to herself.

Congratulations! You’ve guided Emma to recognize the importance of sharing feedback and appreciation within her team. By sharing her positive customer feedback, acknowledging gratitude from coworkers, and suggesting a conversation about team recognition, Emma has set the stage for a more supportive work environment. She feels more appreciated and confident, knowing her contributions matter. This marks the end of your empathy journey through Empathy Inc.! Great work!

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