How managers can demonstrate compassionate leadership to foster employee mental wellbeing

As we continue to experience the effects of a global pandemic, employers are redefining their role, specifically in terms of employee mental wellbeing support. Over the last year, there has been a growing acknowledgement that the mental wellbeing of employees has a positive impact on organisational success, professional fulfilment and quality of life.

Employees and managers have faced unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19. Parents struggle to balance the demands of remote work and homeschooling. Employees who live alone are challenged to stay focused while isolated from loved ones and regular social interactions. Caregivers exhaust themselves caring for a special needs child or ailing parent. We know how trauma and stress can alter behaviour, so it is essential that leaders show compassion for themselves and their employees.

Here are some tips of mine to help your leaders find ways to exercise emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion towards their employees.

1. Lead by example

Practice self-care by prioritising your own wellbeing as a leader. Examples include setting boundaries (i.e. disconnect after work hours), showing gratitude, and establishing healthy habits (i.e. exercise 30 minutes each day). As the saying goes – you must put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.

2. Normalise topics around mental health

Initiating and being open to conversations around mental health can help employees to feel more comfortable sharing their personal thoughts and feelings. Making mental health a part of regular team discussions and one-to-one meetings will reduce the stigma while bringing about a sense of belonging.

3. Practice kindness

Use genuine, authentic statements to show your employees empathy during frequent check-ins. Examples include: “I hear you”, “Are you okay?”, “What can I do to help”, and “thank you”. Employees will feel valued and appreciate the interaction.

4. Incorporate organisational compassion practices

Executive leaders are often faced with competing priorities, especially during a pandemic. The health and safety of your people should be consistently top of mind. There are a few things that can go a long way to support the organisation’s most important asset:

regular town hall meetings or fireside chats with the CEO – and include a Q&A session so employees can express their thoughts
establish company wellbeing days where employees get the day off to recharge
provide employee lifestyle benefits (i.e. childcare, eldercare, financial health tools, wellbeing vendor discounts, etc.) in addition to traditional healthcare benefits
offer physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing programmes for employees and their families.

5. Incorporate mental health and wellbeing training for leaders

Employees at every level have a responsibility to support the overall health of the organisation. However, line managers have a particularly critical role in an employee’s experience at work. If there are performance issues or health concerns, it is imperative for line managers to be able to identify signs and symptoms of poor mental health. In addition, knowing how to guide employees to the appropriate support can make all the difference. Providing mental health awareness training for leaders can incorporate preventive practices, encourage self-care and foster relationships between team members.

Taking the time to show care for yourself and your employees is an investment that will never fail – and will make a positive impact on your life outside of work.

The author is Talya Williams, global events and wellbeing program manager at Proofpoint.