As we navigate through Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s an opportunity to take time to reflect on your business with a holistic lens. Consider the vision of your business, think about the values and the culture you currently have in place. Whether formalised, or not, there will be a set of values and a culture within your business. Is it what you want?
As you reflect, consider the mental health and wellbeing of your team. Remember to include yourself in these reflections! How are you all doing? Are your team’s mental health and wellbeing forming part of your conversations? If not – why not? Is the wellbeing of your people integral in how you run your business or is it a tick box exercise – just the latest buzz or fad?
For a long time, mental health existed in the shadows of our businesses. Often because of the fear of being seen as ‘less than’, or that it is a risk for someone to say they are feeling stressed, under pressure or burning out, in case they are then put in a box. It could be career or opportunity limiting.
There is abundant research out there pointing to the benefits of leaning into these conversations, creating a safe work environment where it is okay to put your hand up and say ‘hey, I’m struggling over here’. There are positive impacts to productivity and the bottom line, and even more importantly, creating an environment where people feel valued and want to work.
Have a think about how you can consistently include mental health and wellbeing check-ins, both in your team meetings and in individual one on one meetings. Normalise these conversations, not so that everyone stands around wringing their hands, but so that you are aware of what is happening to your people, your most valuable asset, and can proactively put in place appropriate support and take actionable steps where needed.
Ultimately, your leadership, and your leadership team, sets the tone for the culture in your business. What is the tone you want?
Contact Everest People to explore our outstanding Work on Wellbeing Programme, a holistic approach to life, and our Employee Wellbeing Support Services.
Jean Schoultz | People & Culture Specialist