A workplace culture that promotes supervisor support and guidance helps employees better manage their stress and feel more motivated to perform their jobs well. Here are four items to consider when improving employee well-being as a supervisor:
Be supportive. Regular check-ins with employees can help supervisors better understand their needs and provide the appropriate support. In addition, regular supervisor check-ins should emphasize bi-directional feedback, acknowledge employees’ efforts, and provide emotional support. If an employee expresses a mental health concern, here’s how the supervisor can start the conversation:
- Ask appropriate open-ended questions.
- Actively listen with complete attention to the employee.
- Recognize their feelings and express understanding back to them.
- Encourage them to use the company’s mental health resources.
Be flexible. Supervisors should negotiate realistic expectations and strategize how to best meet these expectations under the given circumstances in collaboration with employees. In terms of employee output, focus on goals accomplished rather than hours logged. Being empathetic, patient, and flexible as a supervisor can mean a lot for employees who are struggling with their mental health.
Stay connected. According to MHA’s 2018 Mind the Workplace Report, having positive relationships with coworkers and supervisors is the top reason employees feel satisfied at work. However, 65 percent of respondents reported feeling isolated in their workplace due to an unhelpful and hostile environment. Working alone because a workplace is hostile or unhelpful is the factor most strongly correlated with overall workplace health. Connection is crucial, and supervisors can help facilitate how employees stay connected in a virtual work environment. Examples include video calls to encourage employees to share stressors and coping strategies or a weekly newsletter that shares employees’ favorite indoor activities, recipes, and exercise routines.
Model and practice self-care. When providing support to others, a little self-care can alleviate stress and help a supervisor tackle challenges with a clear mind. Examples for self-care include staying organized and prioritize; taking frequent breaks; practicing meditation, breathing, or expressing gratitude; or video chatting with a loved one.
For more information on mentally healthy management practices, please visit MHA’s website at www.mhanational.org/workplace or review the following articles:
What are some mentally healthy management practices?
Why is employee recognition important?
Information on this page is referenced from Mental Health America (MHA): Mind the Workplace Health Survey 2021.
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