What is the #1 thing employers should be doing to support their employees mental health & wellbeing?
Jade Mackenzie
61 replies
Motivational posters, free snacks and yoga don't cut it in my book. Neither does the stock standard Employee Assistance Program that a lot of businesses have in place, as they really only help folks once they're already at crisis point.
What do you think employers should be doing to proactively help prevent burn out amongst their teams?
Replies
Stefani Sparysheva@stefaniya_sparysheva
Unlimited vacation days :)
Clear and transparent communication is also important.
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@stefaniya_sparysheva agree that this can be such a powerful benefit. Treating people like adults and letting them take adequate time off to recharge throughout the year is so important for wellbeing and sustained levels of high performance
PHPRunner
- Reasonable salary
- No deadlines or overtime
- Generous vacation policy
@sergey_kornilov1 it sounds so simple, doesn't it? Crazy how so many businesses get it so wrong and then wonder why their teams are disengaged or burnt out.
Pay them well. That supports my well-being, for sure:)
@katyaveremeichik you're absolutely right - empathy & extra time off won't help if people simply feel underpaid and under-valued.
Back their employee's investment into their personal health and well-being with a commitment of their own. It's not just about setting new regulations but rewarding positive behavior.
@brittany_salas couldn't agree more! Leaders need to be role modelling wellbeing themselves to set the right example / tone / culture from the top and genuinely encouraging & supporting their teams to take proper holidays, switch off, rest when they're sick, use flexible work arrangements to achieve balance in their lives etc
SocialBoat
I think a focus on wellness and fitness is important. At our company we keep monthly fitness challenges. It adds some friendly banter and adds motivation in workouts
Frontitude
How about 1/2 days a week the company closes the office at 5 pm sharp, no one is allowed to stay. Acting more on work-life balance rather than just saying that in interviews with new employees.
Frontitude
@neri_raanani this is great - there's a lot of power in the whole team being offline at once so people can effectively switch off and not feel like work is piling up around them while they're not online!
@neri_raanani we are! Launching on Weds 🚀 looks like you’re launching Tues? Good luck!! We’ll be sure to check out Fortitude and share with our team.
Frontitude
@neri_raanani What if a client is only free at 5:30 and they are ready to give a meeting only at that time?
Be consistent and have a good memory. I have worked in places where I have consistently worked overtime and the one time you have to say no, you are demonised rather than reflecting it must be genuine due to past history or any other example of just being judged in the moment as opposed to your whole history.
Flex-Worthy Templates
Provide them with good work-life balance
@shushant_lakhyani 100% agree - a reasonable workload that supports positive work / life balance is so important
AI Link Manager
End the day at a fixed and reasonable day- make it a ground rule. Exceptions are fine, but keep them minimal. (Quality) Personal time has no replacement.
@saurabhwadhawan completely agree!
Listen to your employees and have empathy! From experience, most times people just want to have someone listen to them and understand them. If they think that taking a day off will make them feel better, then so be it
@anoirhoumou 100% - so much value in ensuring employees feel heard. Empathetic leadership plays a large part in determining the success or failure of teams and companies of any size!
Having hybrid working in place - the balance between working from home and going into the office reliefs a lot of stress from employees that can impact their mental health.
@jademadebrave Employees are the pillars for any companies success. For every employee Physical and Mental health plays a key role. In my perspective 1 hour physical games or physical activities should be mandatory for every employee. I feel, this will help them out. Feel free and let me know you can agree or disagree.
Asking them how they are, and if anything's on their mind, so stress isn't internalised or built up...
@jade_mack so true. Amazing how easy it is just to ask someone how they are. Huge de-stressor to have a quick chat!
In my humble opinion, there is no golden rule as different company environments and employee dynamics require different approaches.
I found out that breathing sessions, anxiety removal techniques, use of natural lighting in the office, relaxing music and continuous support on personal level (advice, meetings in non office spaces etc) have greatly assisted employees.
Having said that, having a clear vision that can unite people, is of utmost importance. Otherwise, you are just running a company with employee perks.
@apollon440 Agree - the needs of companies and teams will differ greatly, and I love what you've said here about a clear & compelling vision to unite and align people. A lot of power in that!
The company leadership really needs to lead by example - taking time for vacation, etc. if they don’t do so, even if they encourage their employees to, it won’t foster an authentic or safe environment
@julia_putzeys so true - role modelling wellbeing is critical for leaders. Taking time off, resting when sick instead of "soldiering on", managing work hours & having healthy boundaries, prioritising family, carving out time for exercise, normalising discussions about mental health etc - when leaders do these things, it all sends such a powerful message.
If your employee's laptop is not working that's your problem. If he is going through a breakup - that is also your problem, think in this way.
This doesn't mean become nosy, it means be empathetic.
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@jason_andries1 couldn't agree more. Being approachable as a leadership team and ensuring there is psychological safety in the workplace is critical. It significantly elevates the quality of feedback, ideas and opinions shared which can, in turn, enhance the overall employee experience. Thanks for adding your voice to the discussion!
Recharge days! Every 3 months- a company wide day off work to unwind and look after your well-being in a preventive way :)
@raquel_yesner I hear you - our Vouch Recharge Days are THE BEST.
Provide a flexible & asynchronous working model. It allows people to live the life they want/need.
@john_morrison1 couldn't agree more. We can't expect to get the best out of people in the workplace if the work arrangement doesn't allow them to live a life that actually makes them happy. Employees will merely be surviving, rather than thriving.
@john_morrison1 What if service to clients involves work at a particular time only? What will you do about the routine required for that work?
@chetan_natesh maybe managers and employees can align on shifts that works the best for them?
We all have meetings and responsibilities that we need to attend to. So it needs to be flexibility where flexibility permits.
That might mean taking a longer lunch break one day or starting earlier another day.
@john_morrison1 That works 🙌