As a business focused on the power of people within business, at People Puzzles we are passionate about creating real ways to create a better employee experience. One of the most important aspects of that is addressing the systems that support and enhance people’s mental health.
We know there are still stigmas about mental health, and too many stopgap solutions put in place to address the symptoms. But ultimately, as well as providing the right support for the times when mental health suffers, it’s just as important (or even more so) to tackle the underlying causes of the issues.
In this article, People Director Shaun O’Hara shares 12 things to consider implementing in your business to help support your people’s mental wellbeing.
1.Putting actionable plans in place to create genuinely inclusive cultures where everyone feels accepted
Diversity, equity and inclusivity get a lot of airtime as subjects online but it’s important for businesses to feel properly equipped to tackle them day to day. This is never a quick fix but accepting that it needs to be a priority is a great first step.
2. Create psychological safety within working relationships so people have the confidence to speak up and the time and space to be heard
Psychological safety requires deep-rooted trust to be present, which enables people to feel safe speaking up. That might be to admit to a mistake, flag an issue, share an idea, request support or training, or voice discontentment – all without fear of negative consequences. The responsibility lies with every person in the organisation but it often starts with the leadership team modelling these behaviours openly and consistently.
3. Addressing work-life balance through flexible working practices, monitoring overtime and workload demands
The number one thing we hear time and time again that people in businesses want is choice. Providing the flexibility to work around people’s lives and create healthy systems for adopting the right work-life balance for each person is crucial for wellbeing – no amount of mental health support is going to help if employees are simply burning out through overwork.
4. Building habits of emotional intelligence and human relationship – checking in, asking how people are, and caring how they respond
Emotional intelligence is sometimes sidelined as the “soft skills” of management, but in fact it’s often the thing that enables the most productive, effective businesses to thrive. Whether it’s building relationships, developing brilliant feedback structures, or enabling greater productivity, emotional intelligence is rapidly becoming accepted as one of the most critical differentiators for successful businesses.
5. Adopting a team approach where individuals are not unduly pressured, where wins are celebrated, and individuality is welcomed
Of course, it’s important to encourage personal accountability and celebrate individual success. But ultimately, a business should be – and can be – greater than the sum of its parts, and that requires a true team mindset. Never underestimate the power of a well-earned compliment – it’s probably the most cost-effective motivational tool in existence.
6. Improving management capabilities to better equip people leaders to identify and address issues when they arise
There is a well-known expression stating that people don’t leave companies, they leave managers. While that may not always be true, very often the quality of a person’s experience at work depends on their line manager. Providing the right training, support and development for managers at all levels of your organisation is crucial, and the benefits will be felt by everyone in the business.
7. Supporting people to embrace difference and speak up for what matters
Working with difference can be a delicate subject and one which many people naturally shy away from for fear of “getting it wrong” or causing offence. Yet embracing the differences that make us all unique is incredibly powerful and can unlock new dimensions of innovation, problem-solving and communication.
8. Providing learning and development opportunities that address personal, as well as professional needs
As the saying goes, we’re only human, and humans need different things. Skills-based training may be the best way to develop your workforce and future-proof your business, but personal development may be the key to motivating your people, driving personal effectiveness and unlocking the full potential of your business.
9. Putting in place customised reward and recognition schemes designed to motivate every individual
As mentioned earlier, choice is essential. When creating any kind of reward or recognition scheme it’s really important to consult your people and listen to what they’re saying. Different personalities, lifestyles, backgrounds, cultures, and situations will define people’s needs and wants, and they will not always be the same. Make your people feel seen and heard by customising how you recognise their achievements.
10. Making mental health part of the everyday conversation to reduce stigma
Like it or not, there is still a long way to go in the mental health conversation. Bringing it in more frequently to normalise the conversation is a great way to start that process, and the more consistently and openly that message is conveyed in the daily actions and conversations in your business, the more effective it will be.
11. Providing simple access to support when it is required
There will be times when people in your business need more support to tackle periods of mental ill-health. Ensuring this is simple to access and done in a non-judgemental way that does not impact progress or reputation is really important. Everyone can be educated to spot warning signs, and a support structure can be put in place and openly signposted to keep things easy.
12. Implement and maintain a wellbeing calendar including multiple mental health events through the year to keep the message and support alive
None of this is an overnight win. Supporting mental health at work requires focus, consistency, and a willingness to try. No-one will ever get it right every time – but the commitment to try will always be appreciated. Action by action, conversation by conversation, we can, collectively, create better systems which support more people in achieving, and sustaining, their mental wellbeing.
A brief caveat: mental health is a complex and multifaceted subject which we could not hope to cover comprehensively in one short blog. This is a brief introduction to provide some practical areas to address. If you would like further support in developing or implementing any of the elements below, please get in touch 0345 646 5201 we would love to chat with you.
Learn more about People Puzzles here
