Let's face it, work can be stressful. Deadlines loom, emails pile up, and sometimes it feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day. But what if that stress wasn't just a temporary annoyance, but a symptom of a larger problem? A toxic work environment can be detrimental to employees' mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
The good news? Companies can make a real difference. By training managers to be advocates for mental well-being, they can create a work environment that's not just productive, but supportive and thriving.
- Respect Your Team's Time: No more marathon meetings that could have been emails. Value your team's schedule by keeping meetings focused and allowing them to ditch unnecessary ones.
- Cut the Meeting Clutter: Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself: "Can this be communicated via email or Slack?" If the answer is yes, skip the meeting! When scheduling meetings, set a clear agenda and stick to a time limit (ideally under 30 minutes). Encourage team members to come prepared to discuss specific topics, and allow them to cancel if they don't have anything to contribute.
- Become a Listening Ear: Great managers don't just talk, they listen actively. Pay attention to what your team is saying, understand their concerns, and use that knowledge to keep them motivated and happy.
- Schedule Regular One-on-Ones: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your team members. During these meetings, actively listen to their concerns, frustrations, and ideas. Ask open-ended questions and avoid interrupting. Take notes and follow up on any action items discussed.
- Transparency is Key: Be upfront about everything, from meeting agendas to deadlines. Avoid last-minute surprises that can create unnecessary stress.
- Clear Communication is King: Always distribute clear agendas for meetings beforehand. When setting deadlines, be realistic and consider your team's workload. If deadlines need to be adjusted, communicate this clearly and well in advance. Explain the reasoning behind decisions and changes, so your team feels informed and valued.
- Nix the Anxiety Triggers: Vague communication and surprise check-ins can leave your team feeling on edge. Keep communication clear and consistent to create a safe and secure work environment.
- Communicate Clearly and Consistently: Avoid sending cryptic emails or messages. If you need to check in with a team member, schedule a specific time to talk rather than dropping by unannounced. Encourage open communication by creating a safe space where employees feel comfortable raising concerns or asking questions.
- Everyone Deserves to Be in the Loop: Don't leave your team feeling like outsiders. Share important news directly with them in one-on-one meetings, not just in big company-wide gatherings.
- Keep Your Team Informed: Hold regular team meetings to discuss upcoming projects, company updates, and any changes that may affect your team. In addition to these meetings, make a point of sharing important news directly with your team members before it is announced publicly.
These are just a few steps towards creating a workplace that prioritises mental well-being. By fostering a culture of respect, open communication, and trust, managers can empower their teams to thrive, not just survive, in the working world.
Remember, a happy and healthy team is a productive team! Investing in your employees' mental well-being isn't just the right thing to do, it's good for business too.
