- Communications, Human Resources
Checking in on your team’s mental health
- The Resources Group, Inc.
This past year has posed many challenges for everyone, both personally and professionally. While we are all handling the COVID-19 pandemic together, we’ve all been affected by it differently. Some have flourished during this health crisis, with virtual work alleviating stress and pressure from their lives. Others…Not so much.
As we inch toward a new normal, it is essential to keep the mental health of our teams as one of the main focuses for leaders in 2021 and beyond. This transition requires implementing the necessary skills to adequately oversee employees who may be facing mental health issues.
Communicate
As a leader, you must be a good communicator of all things. But when it comes to addressing how team members are feeling, be sure to:
- Keep the team informed about changes and updates
- Clarify any modified work hours and norms
- Remove stress where possible by setting expectations about workloads and prioritizing what must get done
- Be generous and realistic
Lead with empathy
Mental health experiences will differ significantly based on job type, parenting, and caregiving responsibilities, race, age, gender, and other variables. With most people working from home, it can be hard to notice signs that someone is struggling.
Schedule regular check-ins with each of your team members to listen and encourage questions and concerns. Make it a priority to connect with people through 1-on-1 conversations, go beyond a simple “How are you?” and ask specific questions about what support from you would be most helpful. Be aware that you may not always know what to say or do; what’s most important is to make space where employees can express any struggles they are going through. They may not share many details but knowing that they can is what matters. As a manager, you are not their therapist or counselor, so encourage them to see their doctor if it appears they are really struggling or distressed. If their distress is serious, don’t hesitate to speak with your HR leader to handle if you suspect they may harm themselves or others.
Be vulnerable
As a leader, you can help build mental health awareness. Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their struggles at work. You are human. People need to see that and to know that they are not alone. By being honest about your mental health struggles allows others to feel comfortable talking with you. We can connect deeply through our vulnerability and struggles.
Be flexible
Mental health issues can pop up unexpectedly. Business leaders offering increased flexibility allows employees the time needed to get help, rest, and recharge before returning to work. Collaborate with your team members to find the best solutions for everyone involved. This may be by offering adjusted work hours for them to better handle responsibilities at home, extended work-from-home periods post-pandemic, flexibility with doctor’s appointments, or encouraging team members to take time off.
Model healthy behaviors
Many teams can be so focused on business outcomes they forget to take care of themselves. The most powerful way to teach others the importance of good mental health is for leaders to prioritize their mental well-being. Be open and share the steps you take to care of yourself. Show that you are human and take time to decompress and take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally.
