According to Calm, most employees (65%) say that a caring and supportive manager can improve their mental health. When the workplace has the structures and support to help employees be their best selves (both inside and outside of work), they have improved staff retention, performance and productivity. Most importantly employees are happier and more motivated. So what can managers do to support someone with their mental health?
Check In
Check in regularly, just seeing how they’re doing. Go beyond just checking in during one-to-ones, the more regular conversations you have the more trust you build, making it more likely they will reach out it they need support.
Actively Listen
Listen without judgement or assumption. Even if we know the person and we know them well, just don’t make assumptions on what’s going on for them. Try to step in their shoes and empathise with them.
Offer Help
Think about the ways you can immediately assist them or offer flexibility. Maybe they need to work from home. Maybe their office hours need to change slightly, or their workload needs tweaking. What support can you give them?
Model Healthy Habits
People will do as you do, rather than as you say. So, look after yourself too. Take lunch breaks and leave on time. Share when you need some flexibility and awareness for things you’re going through. Don’t overshare however, so you don’t become a burden.
Share resources
Sometimes the problem is bigger than just offering flexibility or listening. Or maybe, your employee doesn’t feel comfortable talking about it. If that’s the case, then share your company’s wellbeing resources, such as the employee assisted programme. You can encourage them to reach out to HR or see a GP, coach or mentor. There are many avenues and lots of professional help out there.
Remember, the most important thing is to have an open door policy. Make sure you create the time to listen to an employee when they need it, so they feel heard and supported.
