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Prioritising Mental Health: A Manager's Guide

Mental health is a critical aspect of employee wellbeing, and managers play a vital role in fostering a supportive and healthy work environment. This blog post will explore key strategies for managers to prioritise mental health within their teams, drawing connections to relevant e-learning courses that we offer at Berkshire Safety Consultants! 


Manager holding employees hand

1. Create an Open and Supportive Dialogue

  • Regular Check-ins: Implement regular one-on-one meetings with team members to foster open communication. These check-ins should go beyond performance reviews and provide a safe space for employees to discuss their workloads, challenges, and any concerns they may have.

    • Related e-learning: Consider courses on effective communication, active listening, and building strong relationships.

  • Promote Openness: Encourage open discussions about mental health within the team. Normalise conversations around stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

    • Related e-learning: Explore courses on diversity and inclusion, unconscious bias, and creating an inclusive workplace.


2. Foster a Positive and Inclusive Work Culture

  • Recognise and Appreciate: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of team members. Celebrate successes and milestones, both big and small.

    • Related e-learning: Explore courses on leadership, teamwork, and motivation.

  • Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their holiday allowance, and disconnect from work outside of working hours.

    • Related e-learning: Consider courses on time management, stress management, and work-life balance.

  • Address Workplace Issues: Proactively address any workplace issues that may contribute to negative mental health, such as bullying, harassment, or discrimination.


3. Encourage Self-Care and Wellbeing

  • Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage healthy habits within the team, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep.

    • Related e-learning: Consider courses on health and wellbeing, lifestyle management, and nutrition.

  • Offer Flexible Working Arrangements: Where possible, offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs and preferences.

  • Provide Access to Resources: Make employees aware of available resources, such as employee assistance programmes (EAPs), mental health first aiders, and counselling services.


4. Lead by Example

  • Model Healthy Behaviours: Demonstrate healthy behaviours yourself, such as taking breaks, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care.

  • Openly Discuss Your Own Mental Health: If comfortable, share your own experiences with mental health challenges to encourage open dialogue within the team.


Conclusion

Prioritising mental health is not just the right thing to do; it's also good business. By creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, managers can significantly improve employee wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, and boost productivity. By incorporating these strategies and utilising relevant e-learning resources, managers can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to effectively support their teams' mental health.


Disclaimer: This Prioritising Mental Health: A Manager's Guide blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please seek professional help.

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