This week we are discussing how effective management can significantly enhance employee mental health. Effective management practices are closely tied to improved mental health outcomes for employees. When managers prioritize mental wellbeing, they create a supportive environment that enhances employee engagement and resilience. Engaged employees are more likely to experience better mental health, and strong relationships with their managers foster a sense of belonging and support.
Open communication and consistent support from management are crucial for effectively addressing mental health issues. Managers who actively listen and provide resources can help employees navigate challenges more successfully.
Training for managers on mental health awareness and supportive leadership practices is essential, equipping them to better assist their teams. By cultivating a positive workplace culture that values mental health, organizations can achieve lower turnover rates and increased productivity, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole. Additional thoughts on the matter from Julius Thomas, M.S. below:
Managers have a profound ability to support the mental wellbeing of their employees. The most effective way a manager can improve their employees’ wellbeing is by seeing them first as human beings, and then as individuals they lead. Oftentimes, employees feel unseen, unheard, and perceive their managers as lacking concern for them and the circumstances in their lives. From years of experience being around some of the best managers and coaches in the world, I have found one management trait to be especially effective: Managers who take the time to get to know their employees and build authentic relationships with them are far more successful at supporting their employees’ work performance and wellbeing.
It is a given, in the ever-changing and challenging world we live in, that employees in the workplace will experience stress. Data continues to show that business professionals in the U.S. have extremely high levels of stress and describe work-related stress as one of their greatest challenges. However, managers are not solely responsible for their employees’ stress, nor for all of the work-related stress they experience. The cumulative stress created by the expectations placed on today’s workers, combined with the pressure of competing with other professionals, is pervasive and a challenge for many. I encourage managers to mindfully acknowledge the working conditions their employees face and make small efforts to show that their wellbeing matters.
Communication between managers and employees should be a constant point of emphasis in all workplaces. Managers should create intentional spaces for their teams to talk openly about their wellbeing and personal lives. At times, this may not feel like the best use of time or may seem unnecessary, but the ripple effect of these spaces is far-reaching. Virtual calls, work lunches, and weekly team meetings are all great opportunities for effective managers to weave in chances for employees to open up. When employees feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences, it fosters a greater sense of belonging and emotional support in the workplace. In other words, it’s the communication of personal challenges, successes, and growth that creates the bonds that define all great teams. I encourage every manager to schedule intentional “human connection” touchpoints with their teams to cultivate a connected work environment. There’s no need to jump from zero to one hundred—managers should feel comfortable starting slowly and introducing open communication on a monthly or quarterly basis.
One of the most common barriers managers face when trying to support team mental health is not knowing where to start or what to do. I’ve spoken to many well-intentioned managers who have a strong interest in creating a mentally healthy environment but are unsure how to support their teams. Many managers, in fact, experience mental health challenges themselves and are looking for ways to help everyone feel better. Workplaces that want to create and maintain environments supportive of mental health should consider partnering with mental health experts to leverage their knowledge and experience. Highly effective companies understand when to outsource the support they need to operate at their highest potential. By engaging mental health consultants, they can develop specific programs and strategies to protect their teams from the consequences of a work environment that strains mental wellbeing.
Appearances
- Julius recently motivated hundreds of agents at Compass RETREAT with his ‘5 Keys to Peak Performance’ – highlights here.
- Julius recently joined Compass leadership on 6AMERS for an insightful conversation – sneak peek of the interview here.
- Julius will be speaking in Miami, Florida at The Wellness Oasis™ on December 5, 2024. He will discuss how to prioritize our adolescents’ mental health.
- Julius is giving the keynote speech at the Tangram Interiors Sales Summit in Newport Beach, CA on January 23, 2025.