There is no doubt that the global pandemic is presenting several challenges for many people. Employees are struggling personally and professionally due to this uncertain pandemic which seems to not have any end date for now. With work deliverable, there are concerns around health, family, job security which can impact the mental health and well-being of employees resulting in myriad emotions like stress, anxiety, fear, depression, etc If you are in a leadership role, you may appreciate our top 6 tips for managing your teams mindfully and supporting the mental wellbeing of your employees for 2021.
1/ Prioritise your own wellbeing: It is important that you lead by example. Make sure that you have your own positive personal practices in place that are effective and working well for you. Employees need to also feel that they are not alone so being able to demonstrate your own vulnerability about the impact of stress can support this.
2/Acknowledge “mental health”: Try not to avoid the subject. Talk openly about the impact of the last year and how it is okay ask for help.
3/Acknowledge different experiences and perspectives: Staff may have faced unique experiences during the pandemic. Some individuals living alone may find it extremely lonely and others may have found it incredibly challenging trying to work and home school. Let staff tell you what their individual situations looks like from their vantage points and the impact on their mental health.
4/Encourage any support services that may be available to employees. Talk about the benefits and services frequently especially if you have an EAP provider that you can tap into or a wellbeing program.
5/Offer mental health first-aid training: Give your team tools to assess mental health issues and make sure everyone knows how to respond in a crisis situation. Mind Body Energy offer a two-day Mental Health First Aid training program.
6/Create a culture of connection: Staff need to know they can go to someone at work who will listen. One-on-one conversations at all levels of the organization about the importance of individual well-being will promote a safe and caring work culture well beyond the pandemic.
7/Have an empathetic approach. An effective conversation with employees showing interest, listening carefully, paying attention, acknowledging what they have to say, and asking questions to elaborate with a positive tone and affirmations will help to get more information on what employees think and feel.
8/Clear Communication is key: Provide your team with clear and open communication on projects, process, tools, resources, training, and deliverables especially if they are working remotely.
For more information in corporate wellbeing program and Mental Health First Aid Training for corporate organisations visit: www.Mind BodyEnergy.com.au