Your Mental Health is Important in the Workplace
There’s no denying it – work represents an important part of our daily lives. It is important because it fulfills our needs for socializing and gives us financial security, a routine, a sense of purpose and meaning… the list goes on! Overall, work is an important factor in protecting and maintaining our mental health. But when people feel like they are unable to do their job to the best of their abilities, this causes a sense of fear and insecurity.
It is important for employers to be able to implement open and supportive conversations in the workplace. Not only will it give comfort to their employees, but it will also help the employer so that both parties can move towards the shared goal of the organization.
The first step in implementing open and supportive conversations is to learn how to have these difficult conversations. Here are a few quick tips on how you can do this:
- Clear your mind of all assumptions and judgments of your employee. Instead, start writing down the changes you are noticing.
- Do not have these conversations in public! Finding the right time and space to chat is crucial.
- Let your employee know that you care. Ask them if they are okay and listen to what they have to say.
- Conclude the conversation by asking the employee what you can do to assist them. Let them know that you want to help them succeed.
- Circle back to the employee. Ensure they are receiving continuous support when needed.
It may be a difficult conversation, but it definitely is an important one! Not only can it save future legal costs or disability premium costs, but more importantly, it might be the first step in helping an employee stay at work. Please email dana.gidge@rlb.ca if you have any questions or concerns. The team at RLB is always happy to help!
For more information on mental health in the workplace, click here.
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