How is the Mental Health of the People You Lead at Work?
To the leaders and managers on this blog!
Let's talk about something we don’t discuss nearly enough in the workplace: mental health. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind as we focus on deadlines, targets, and productivity. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "How is the mental health of the people I lead at work?"
The Reality of Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout are becoming increasingly common in the workplace. Unfortunately, we’ve all heard heartbreaking stories about individuals who have taken their own lives or struggled with severe depression due to workplace stress. It’s a stark reminder that we need to do better as leaders.
Why Mental Health Matters
First, let’s understand why mental health matters so much:
Productivity: Happy, mentally healthy employees are more productive. They’re engaged, motivated, and perform better.
Retention: A supportive work environment helps retain talent. Employees are less likely to leave a job where they feel valued and understood.
Team Morale: Positive mental health contributes to a better work atmosphere. It fosters teamwork, creativity, and resilience.
Overall Well-being: Beyond work, supporting mental health improves the overall quality of life for your employees.
Recognising the Signs
Before you can support your team, you need to recognise the signs of mental health struggles. Here are some things to watch for:
-Changes in Behaviour: Notice if someone becomes unusually withdrawn, irritable, or starts isolating themselves.
Decline in Performance: A sudden drop in productivity or missing deadlines can be a red flag.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, frequent illnesses, or changes in appearance (like noticeable weight loss or gain) can indicate stress.
Absenteeism: Increased absences from work may be a sign of underlying issues.
Emotional Outbursts: Uncharacteristic emotional reactions or mood swings can signal mental health struggles.
Creating a Supportive Environment
So, how can you, as a leader, foster a supportive environment that prioritises mental health? Here are some practical steps:
1. Open Up Communication
Encourage an open dialogue about mental health. Let your team know it’s okay to talk about their struggles.
How to Do It:
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule one-on-one meetings where employees can discuss how they’re doing—not just professionally, but personally as well.
Safe Spaces: Create an environment where people feel safe sharing their feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Lead by Example: Share your own experiences with stress and how you manage it. This can normalize the conversation around mental health.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is essential for mental health. Overworking can lead to burnout, so it’s important to promote a healthy balance.
How to Do It:
Encourage Time Off: Make sure your team knows it’s okay to take breaks and use their vacation days.
Set Boundaries: Encourage employees to disconnect after work hours. Avoid sending emails or messages late at night or on weekends.
Flexible Work Options: Offer flexible hours or remote work options to help employees manage their personal lives better.
3. Provide Resources
Equip your team with resources to manage their mental health.
How to Do It:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): These programs can provide confidential counseling and support if your organisation can afford it.
Mental Health Workshops: Host workshops or training sessions on stress management, mindfulness, and other mental health topics. My company Pezu Smith Consulting will be delighted to handle this.
Access to Professional Help: Ensure that your team knows how to access mental health professionals if they need help.
4. Cultivate a Positive Work Culture
The culture of your workplace has a big impact on mental health. Strive to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.
How to Do It:
Recognition and Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate your team’s hard work. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Inclusive Practices: Make sure everyone feels included and valued, regardless of their background or role.
Team Building: Organise activities that promote teamwork and camaraderie. This can help build strong, supportive relationships among your team.
5. Be Vigilant and Responsive
Pay attention to the signs and be ready to act when necessary.
How to Do It:
Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for changes in behaviour or performance.
Reach Out: If you notice someone struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer your support. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can make a big difference.
Act Swiftly: If an employee comes to you with a mental health concern, take it seriously and act quickly to provide the necessary support.
Real-Life Impact
Consider Sarah Onugu, a talented employee in your team. Lately, you’ve noticed she’s been quieter than usual, missing deadlines, and her once bright demeanour has dimmed. Instead of just writing it off as a phase, you decide to check in with her. You create a safe, private space for a conversation. Sarah opens up about feeling overwhelmed with work and personal issues. You help Sarah regain her balance by providing a listening ear, offering flexible work arrangements, and connecting her with professional support. She becomes more engaged, her performance improves, and she feels valued and supported. She wins, you win, and the organisation is the better for it.
The Importance of a Personal Touch
Remember, as a leader, your actions set the tone for the entire team. Show empathy and understanding. Share your own experiences with managing stress and mental health. This normalises the conversation and also shows your team that you’re human too.
Self-Care for Leaders
I will not end this blog without talking about self care for managers and leaders because we are usally very prone to burnout due to our heavy workload. While you’re busy taking care of your team, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Your mental health is just as important.
Here are some tips: to help you in taking care of yourself
Set Boundaries: Just like your team, you need boundaries too. Ensure you’re taking time off and disconnecting from work.
Seek Support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could mean talking to a friend, a mentor, or a mental health professional. Just know that support is important.
Practise Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be exercise, reading, meditation, or any hobby that brings you joy. Find the time to go to the movies.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to support the mental health of our team. We can make a significant difference fostering open communication, promoting work-life balance, providing resources, creating a positive work culture, and being vigilant and responsive, we can make a significant difference.
The mental health of your team is an ongoing commitment. It’s about creating a work environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. Let’s be the leaders who do not only drive success but also nurture the well-being of our teams.
So, take a moment today to ask yourself: “How is the mental health of the people I lead at work?” And then take action. Your team will thank you for it.
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, need further assistance, or need me to speak at your event, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp at +234-8035880367. Let’s work together to make our workplaces supportive and mentally healthy for everyone.
From the flyer above, you'll notce that I am a guest speaker at the forthcoming induction and investiture ceremony for The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers. I'l be speaking on the topic, 'Prioritising Your Mental Health in a Demanding Career'.
And I have news for you! Printed copies of my new book The Manager's Companion will be available for purchase at this event on the 12th of December in Lagos. Catch me there if you can to get your freshly printed copies for yourself or to send as a gift for managers this season. I'm rooting for you!
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