Given the new realities of a global pandemic, which works from home, school and commercial closures, and the lack of physical contact with friends and family, well, it is not surprising that mental health struggles have been increasing during these two years.
According to official statistics published by the OECD, anxiety, depression and stress increased strongly by 2020.
People begin to recognize that stable mental health is part of the base of a successful career. In many ways, the renowned Simone Biles gymnast gave a healthy example by withdrawing from the individual gymnastics competition from the Olympic Games to focus on their mental health, prioritizing their own well -being about everything else.
In the gloomy backdrop of Covid-19, what is the effective role of the leader? In any case, the same as always: support and protect the best interests of its employees. But now, with altered tactics and management responses to accommodate the emotional needs of a workforce. Leaders must analyze the problems of their employees through a prism of empathy and sensitivity to find solutions that work better for both workers and the company.
If that sounds overwhelming, do not fear: this article breaks down some easy way to digest to help your employees through these difficult times.
Ask. Listen. To recognize
If this seems obvious, it would surprise you. Very few leaders make an effort to genuinely express concern about the circumstances and well -being of their employees beyond a surface surface “how are you?” In the morning meetings.
In a study conducted by Harvard Business Review, almost 40% of employees worldwide said that no one in their company had asked them if they were well, and that those respondents had 38% more probabilities than others to say that their Mental health had decreased from the outbreak.
Prepare for difficult conversations. For example, an employee is likely to be stressed to work from home because he has had child care commitments, which makes it difficult for them to meet the deadlines. In this case, it is essential to remember that an effective leader is more than a manager, instead of reacting with anger or undue concern for the loss of productivity, practice of understanding and diplomacy.
Its place in an one -by -one discussion should not be criticizing and micrognition, but expressing a true human concern and sensitivity.
Offer flexibility
Once you completely understand the complexity of your concerns, work together with each employee to find solutions. This process must be collaborative until you find the bridge between the mental health needs of your employee and the company’s requirements.
During uncertain times, part of what makes a leader big is his ability to adapt. Do not let it be limited by archaic forms of how things should be done if they are not helping anyone.
Novel times require novel measures. Leaders are now asked for more flexible work solutions and are more flexible in their thinking than they have never been. The most flexible meeting times, and on some occasions, advances in salaries and the offer of WFH solutions can also become a requirement.
Be patient
Despite how exhausting that can be multiple blockages and variants, do not allow this to stance the progress of mental health records with their employees, whether they are physically present in the office or work from home. The qualities that shape an effective leader, resilience and perseverance should also shape their communication strategies.
Remember that mental health is reduced and flows. Be consistent in reminding employees of their availability and support over the years.
Above all, be patient with himself. As the saying goes, you cannot help anyone if you are not helping yourself. Establish a healthy example for your workforce prioritizing your own mental health and balance between working life and life as an effective leader.
Pamela Wigglesworth, CSP is an international marketing consultant, speaker and executive director of Experiential Handson Learning based in Asia. She is the author of the 50-60 Subthing Start-Up Entrepreneur and works with organizations in multiple industries to help them increase brand awareness, increase potential customers and, ultimately, increase sales.
