The Human Side of Data Privacy

Data privacy jobs are on the rise. Driven by new regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as well as mounting concerns over data breaches, companies are hiring Data Protection Officers, privacy analysts, and compliance managers at unprecedented rates. But the expectations for these roles are also changing. Where privacy professionals were once valued primarily for their technical expertise and legal acumen, they are now expected to serve as educators, crisis managers, and cultural ambassadors. This evolution is fueled by the reality that privacy is not just about compliance, but about trust—something that cannot be achieved through technology or policy alone.

Why Communication and Empathy Matter

Soft skills such as communication and empathy are becoming increasingly important for privacy professionals. These skills are crucial in three main areas: training and awareness, incident management and breach response, and building a culture of trust.

Training and Awareness

One of the primary responsibilities of privacy professionals is to educate employees about best practices in data handling. Complex privacy regulations can be intimidating and easy to misunderstand for those without a technical or legal background. Professionals with strong communication skills can demystify jargon, translating regulations into practical and relatable guidance. For instance, rather than circulating a dense memo filled with technical terms about password policies, an empathetic privacy officer might conduct an interactive workshop. By listening to employees’ concerns and addressing common frustrations—like password fatigue—they make privacy education both accessible and memorable. This approach not only improves compliance but also empowers staff to take ownership of privacy practices in their daily work.

Incident Management and Breach Response

When a data breach occurs, organizations face not only regulatory scrutiny but also potential damage to their reputation and loss of customer trust. A privacy professional’s ability to communicate clearly and empathetically during such crises is critical. Consider two scenarios: In the first, a company issues a generic public apology after a breach. In the second, the privacy team reaches out proactively to affected individuals, explaining the incident in plain language, acknowledging their concerns, and offering personal support and resources. The second approach not only humanizes the organization but also reassures stakeholders that their interests are a priority, helping to rebuild trust and mitigate long-term reputational harm.

Building a Culture of Trust

Embedding privacy into organizational culture requires more than just policies and procedures. It demands buy-in from employees at every level. Privacy professionals must foster open dialogue, encourage feedback, and act as role models for responsible data stewardship. Some organizations have implemented “privacy champion” programs, where employees from various departments serve as liaisons to the privacy office. These champions rely on both empathy and communication to bridge gaps, ensuring privacy considerations are integrated into everyday processes and decisions. This collaborative, human-centered approach turns privacy from a compliance obligation into a shared value.

Supporting Evidence: The Shift in Hiring Priorities

Industry research supports the growing importance of soft skills in privacy roles. According to the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), organizations are increasingly prioritizing candidates with communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence skills. Privacy leaders emphasize that these qualities are essential not only for employee training but also for engaging effectively with regulators, customers, and the broader public. The trend is reflected in hiring patterns: with data privacy jobs in high demand, candidates who can combine technical or legal expertise with strong interpersonal skills are especially sought after. This evolution demonstrates that privacy is no longer just about compliance—it’s about connection.