World Suicide Prevention Day is a time for you as an employer to reflect on the mental health support provided by your workplace, and to highlight the importance of being empathetic to people coping with mental health issues. While there's been a reduction in the number of people committing suicide over the last ten years, the numbers are still too high.
An Employee Assistance Programme is a 24/7, 365 helpline, with calls answered by experienced in-house counsellors, legal and financial specialists so that employees who may be experiencing difficulties impacting their mental wellbeing have support that they can easily access. That's why we've asked our EAP partners, Health Assured, about the importance of empathy for employee wellbeing in the workplace.
How to foster an empathetic workplace
This advice is provided by our EAP partners, Health Assured
Just like physical health, employers have a legal responsibility in supporting anyone with mental health issues. If this is neglected, the consequences can run into both personal and professional capacities.
When an employee shares their mental health issue, you need to remain empathetic throughout this time. You should:
- Listen to them fully, without judgement
- Focus on the specifics of their mental illness
- Establish what adjustments you can make to their work practices
- Highlight the importance of equal opportunities
Practicing empathy enables them to gain support, trust, and unity during work. Employees can continue working – without feeling incapable or worrying about being criticised.
Businesses, employers, workers all benefit from learning about emotional intelligence, like having empathy.
Take the time to learn about how to implement it into your persona. Soon, you’ll see it manifest into your business – growing a healthy and happy environment.
There are so many ways to learn and promote the importance of empathy in the workplace. Here are a few steps you should consider:
Invest in teamwork ethics
Every business out there can only thrive with the help and support of its workforce. A team which promotes cohesion and solidarity is proven to breed business success.
That’s why it’s so important to invest in teamwork ethics.
Whether you’re tackling a new project or reshaping an ongoing one, make sure every employee respects the idea of teamwork throughout. Highlight the fact that every individual holds a significant role within the company.
Through collaboration and cohesion, you’ll soon see your business grow extensively.
Show gratitude towards others
Showing gratitude in the workplace is so important. Every worker should know where they stand within the company – and be known for their value and worth.
Remember, without the workforce, there is no work. So, show your employees you are grateful for their efforts, loyalty, and dedication.
But don’t just tell them – make sure you award those who truly go the extra mile. Little gestures like these can go a long way.
Learn to listen well
When it comes to building business skills, one of the best ones to work on is listening.
Being able to be a good listener is a tough thing to accomplish. As most of us love to hear our own voice or share our ‘two-cents’ worth of advice.
But in the workplace, listening to your people is one way to truly establish and answer queries.
Place suggestion boxes for staff and aim to action as many as you reasonably can. And hold meetings where employees can comfortably share their concerns without fears of repercussions.
Remember, there’s a reason why we have one mouth, but two ears!
Provide mental health first aid
When it comes to employees with mental health problems, things can get a little complicated. ‘What counts as mental health?’ ‘What happens when health conditions class as disabilities?’
But don’t panic, there are so many mental health tools and practices you can bring into your business.
One of the best tools to introduce is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAPs). They help identify any concerns employees might face, in both personal and professional capacities.
By including an EAP within your employee wellbeing strategy, people with mental health problems (like work-related stress, anxiety, and depression) gain access to the right support.
You can also provide mental health first aid services, so employees have help at all times. These services can range from training courses to medical referrals. Together, you can help employees manage their conditions, triggers, and outcomes.
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