From an HR's perspective, I can tell you that all the good people love Animals. If you want to see how empathetic a person is, ask for their views about Animals. If their response is suspicious or concerning, he/she is not the right person for your Company. Character cannot be taught, so HIRE WISELY.
You may not agree with my strategy but I have years and years of experience in Animal Welfare. I know for sure when someone does not like Animals, they target the weaker employees in the workplace. They patronise and show disdain for their teammates. Those who respond with empathy are the ones who actually help their colleagues grow. Your Company culture is precious, maintain it. At Inteliqo and CS Outsource, we have Saturdays as our fun days, we work, we listen to good music, we talk, we discuss ideas. Saturday is my favourite part of the week. My entire Team is super humane, we treat humans as humans and love Animals equally. We have an Aviary at our Office, and the parrots are hand-tamed. Every time one of us is having a bad day, Parrots are our go-to Therapists. Don't go for high achievers who are selfish and self-centered. Go for the people with good character, who have empathy for all. Your workplace will transform dynamically. 🙂
President and CEO at Humane Society for Greater Nashua
1moA great organization. But I am biased!