How to foster a supportive environment for employees facing mental health challenges

An organization is as good as its employees. Employee wellbeing is extremely important in order to produce desirable outcomes. Creating a supportive environment for the employees is key to creating sustainable practices and building deeper connections at work. 

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, fostering a supportive atmosphere for employees dealing with mental health challenges is more crucial than ever. Mental health not only impacts individual wellbeing but also affects team dynamics, productivity levels, and overall workplace morale. Only when employees feel supported and included, can they give their best. 

Here’s a guide on creating a compassionate and nurturing environment for employees by ensuring that mental health awareness and conversations become an integral and essential part of workplace culture.

1. Practice curiosity instead of judgement: Any preconceived notions, inhibitions or judgements can make an individual feel distant and less supported towards their surroundings. If you notice unusual behaviour or a sudden change in your colleague’s behavior, instead of calling them or their behaviours out, try to make a gentle enquiry. Approach the conversation from a place of curiosity instead of judgment. When you approach the conversation with sensitivity and gentleness, it helps establish the bond of trust and support between two individuals. 
2. Ask, do not assume: Instead of assuming, ask them how they would like to be supported. More often than not, when a person is struggling, they are simply looking for a non-judgemental space where they can express themselves in front of you. Let them know that you would be available for them in whatever capacities are comfortable. Try to create a safe space for them by letting them be and offering help or suggestions only when required. 
3. Learning the right vocabulary: While communicating with someone who is going through a tough time, it is very important to use words that make them feel heard and supported. Dismissing their struggles, trivialising their problems or asking them to “get over it” is one of the biggest red flags during a discussion. If you want to provide care and support to a coworker, make sure you ask them open-ended questions, listen to them respectfully and give them space when needed. Learning the right vocabulary requires you to challenge some of your pre-existing notions about stereotypes and social conditioning and it is a great reflective exercise. 
4. Encourage self-care: As a leader, it is your responsibility to build a culture where employees can thrive not just professionally but personally. To build a solid foundation, you also need to prioritize employee wellbeing. Encourage your employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Offer flexible work schedules and deadlines for fulfilling that. Build resources that can allow employees to manage their emotions and problems more effectively. Respect their time and personal boundaries and avoid contacting them during non-working hours. The key to having a successful relationship with your employees is to have an open and transparent channel of communication. By making them a part of important discussions, and allowing them space to execute tasks in their way without micromanaging and acknowledging and appreciating their efforts, you can truly build the foundation of this professional relationship that will last longer.
5. Offer them EAP Services: Employee Assistance Programs are programs that offer free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services for employees. These services are conducted by licenced Psychologists who are trained in conducting sessions, awareness programs and evaluations. Manah Wellness offers various such programs to support employees and empower them. You can read more about them here.
6. Offer a supportive work environment and flexible policies: Offering emotional support does not mean only offering safe spaces. Emotional support can also be felt through offering a work environment that is understanding and nurturing. By offering flexible policies such as hybrid work, flexible work timings and deadlines, you can build a bridge of understanding and empathy between you and the employees. Employees are expected to be productive and competent and it is a fair expectation. But it is also important to look at them as human beings. Each person is allowed to have their low days and when you are suffering, it can impact work too. By allowing them space to make decisions on their own, you offer a great blend of autonomy, responsibility and support at the workplace. 

FAQ:

How to identify if someone is struggling at work?

Generally speaking, when someone is struggling at work, you will be able to notice changes in their mood, communication patterns, habits, and engagement at work. This may change depending on the individual’s personality and demeanour at work. 

Here are some of the most generic and commonly observed signs that can signify a struggling individual-

• Irritation, anger outbursts or breakdowns
• Isolating oneself from groups
• Getting offended or triggered, blaming others or oneself
• Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
• Difficulty being on time and managing deadlines
• Decreased attention span
• Lack of participation or engagement during conversations or meetings
• Feeling preoccupied with something or the other

What changes can individuals add to their lives?

• Doing any form of exercise every day.
• Engaging in activities that feel good/relaxing.