Encouraging positive conversations in the workplace
Mental health issues affect one in three of the UK workforce at some time in their lives. Yet only 16 per cent of employees feel they can disclose a mental health issue to their manager. Ideally, every member of staff should be able to talk openly about their issues, form positive relationships and support their colleagues to help the organisation succeed.
Here, we detail a few ways in which you can encourage open and positive communication in your workplace—every day of the year.
Encourage social activities
A great way to build positive relationships between staff members is to encourage team socialisation. Team away days, fun group training exercises and social gatherings—both within and outside of the office—will contribute to a positive atmosphere.
Set up a social calendar for the business, and ensure each employee receives updates on every planned activity. Introduce a social committee—when staff are involved in planning events, they’ll feel much more valued. And they’ll come up with ideas you would never think of on your own.
Lead by example
As a business leader, you have a responsibility to set an example. If you’re impossible to reach, this will create a culture of closed communication—employees will see your behaviour, take note and follow suit.
Make sure your people know you’re accessible. ‘My door is always open’ is a bit of a cliché, but if you actually leave your door open, and answer any questions people have quickly and confidently, you’ll find that attitude trickles down to the whole office.
Ensure staff are trained
Negativity in the workplace contributes to stress and mental health issues. A lack of support and advice impacts heavily on productivity, creativity and efficiency.
Mental health first aid (MHFA) training can combat this. It teaches people to listen, reassure and respond — just having a couple of mental health first aiders in your business will open up communications, because people will feel far more confident talking about their issues.
Professional support services
Some businesses may not feel comfortable or properly qualified to support and advise employees on positive relationships in the workplace, and understandably so. An Employee Assistance Programme(EAP) can ease this, providing independent support and educating business leaders on the best ways to make themselves available and open.
This article is provided by Health Assured.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Health Assured
Health Assured is the UK and Ireland's most trusted health and wellbeing network.
