Mental Health At Work
Hello 👋
It’s the end of the month, and with it comes another letter from Your Workplace Culture Guide.
The 10th of October was World Mental Health Day, and so our focus this month is on people’s mental health at work. As we grapple with personal life, work deadlines, the economy and global issues, I’m sure you will agree that all of these take a toll on people’s mental health.
As a leader or colleague, how should you engage with people at work? Here are 4 ways:Â
Observe, Connect and Ask Questions.
Listen genuinely.
Encourage Action and Solutions.
Follow Up.
Observe, Connect & Ask Questions
Observe your teams and colleagues for indications of their well-being.
Before you ask questions, ensure you're in the right mind frame to start a conversation. If you're not, reach out to someone else who can talk to them.
Create a safe space, and ask leading questions such as 'How are you doing?' or 'Where is your head at?'
Listen Genuinely
Be open-minded about what they have to say.
Avoid interrupting them as they process their thoughts.
Don’t rush them if they need time to think. Stay patient with them during moments of silence.
Don't judge their experiences or reactions; instead, acknowledge their feelings.
Encourage them to elaborate on their feelings. Ask questions like 'How long have you felt that way?' or 'How does it make you feel?’Â
Reiterate what they've said and ask if you've understood them properly.
Encourage Action And Solutions
If it's a familiar emotion or circumstance for them, ask how they have handled it in the past.
Find out how you can support them.
Ask them about activities they find enjoyable or relaxing.
If you have experienced something similar, share ways you handled it.Â
If the feeling lingers, encourage them to see a health professional.
Follow Up
Schedule a time to touch base with them.
Focus on their well-being and any changes since the last conversation.Â
Ask if they have found a better way to handle the situation. Give room to share.Â
Keep checking until they are in a better space.Â
Empathy In These Times Is Key!Â
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Until November, happy cultur-ing.
HikmahÂ
with
Your Workplace Culture Guide