In the modern workforce, where health and well-being are increasingly linked to productivity, empathy is emerging not as a soft skill but as a strategic imperative. Research in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, behavioral medicine, and organizational development increasingly supports what many leaders have intuited: empathy drives outcomes we can measure— engagement, innovation, retention, and even physical health. Yet too many organizations still treat human connection as a “perk” or morale booster rather than a foundational component of business strategy. This column explores the expanding body of evidence that positions empathy—and peer support in particular—as a cornerstone of organizational success. Grounded in public health data, worksite wellness research, and social and behavioral sciences, it advocates for embedding empathy into the very architecture of workplace infrastructure and culture.