How effectively do you support the mental health needs of your staff?
The Challenge
List three actions you have taken during the past six months to support the mental health needs of your staff. These actions could be at an individual, team, or policy level.
Why do this?
A culture that supports everyone's well-being increases staff engagement and productivity. A leader with strong interpersonal skills treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect, and responds to the unique needs of his or her staff.
Supporting your staff's well-being is especially critical while facing the challenges of a pandemic. A supportive culture encourages positive self-care and takes action to minimize workplace stressors. A sensitive leader models positive self-care and shares relevant personal struggles. He/she checks in regularly with staff to see how they are doing, encourages stronger connections between staff, and communicates clearly about the challenges the team is facing.
What’s next?
Schedule 1:1 meetings with three of your staff and ask for feedback about the strategies you have implemented since the beginning of the pandemic. Ask for suggestions about other actions that might have been more effective or that might be useful now.
