Here are four ways for leaders to support the mental well-being of their staff, as advised by trauma expert and mental health clinician Rebecca Brown:
1. Acknowledge the pandemic is far from over.
Don’t rush back into business as normal but instead stop and remember that the pandemic is not over and has had a tangible effect on staff. Give employees the benefit of the doubt after the challenging 18 months.
2. Stop and listen to employees.
Be present and listen to struggling employees without judgment instead of immediately trying to problem-solve.
3. Create meaning.
Leaders should take time to understand how the motivations and perspectives of their staff may have changed over the pandemic, then apply these insights to work to create a fulfilling workplace environment.
4. Build a well-being culture.
Nurture an environment in which well-being and mental health is prioritized by exemplifying setting boundaries and self-care and celebrating others who do.
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