One consequence of opening up the conversation about mental health is that there may be many more employees who want to come and talk to you! As a leader, HR professional or line manager, listening to and supporting your employees is key. But how can you balance their needs with the rest of your responsibilities, provide the right support, and avoid feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or exhausted by the end of the day?
Taking care of your mental health and making sure you have strong support systems and networks around you is vital to enabling you to be there for others in the best way possible.
We share some of our and our customers' suggestions:
1.) Host custom visits on a specific day and time of the week. They can be group sessions where employees benefit from the support and ideas of others, Or individual periods, but either way, sparring time can help contain and focus your energy.
2.) Upgrading skills. If you're often approached by colleagues who are struggling, but feel unable to help, consider upskilling, like Kelly from ICAB did – by gaining a Chartered Counselor qualification, and attending courses – talk to us to find out how we can help.
3.) Be there to listen and support, but don't feel like you have to solve everything. Instead, be prepared to tag effectively. Creates A list of resources and organizations for scenarios that may arise, so you can “hold the hand” of your employee while seeking support from professional services. This list could include your EAP, your company's health insurance companies, your doctor, or mental health support services. Or they may benefit from using a wellbeing mentor or coach, either internally or externally.
4.) Develop lines of support across the organization – As the Chartered Accountancy firm did, so did Gerald Edelman, by training and creating Wellbeing Champions and upskilling executives with mental health skills. Most importantly, remember to explain who your champions are, what they do and how to contact them, so everyone in the organization is aware of the initiative. You may also want to include it in your banner list!
5.) Review your support systems – Whether inside or outside the organization – where you can “unload” discreetly. Whether it's your line manager, peer support via a mental health friend or trusted colleague or external networks and HR groups, it's important to be able to find someone to talk to and take the burden off your shoulders too.
We hope you find some of these suggestions helpful and welcome any others you have. Comment below or email us.
If you would like to get in touch to find out more about how WorkLifeWell can support you, please call [email protected]
Author: Jane Burton | Wellness Specialist | Work life okay
