Working together to protect your people's mental health
Creating a workplace where everyone feels comfortable discussing mental health is crucial for the overall wellbeing of all employees. To promote a supportive environment, it's essential to openly talk about mental health and understand what helps individuals maintain their mental wellbeing at work.
Sometimes, the negative perceptions surrounding mental health make people reluctant to discuss their challenges, making it difficult for them to seek help early on. Initiating a conversation with a colleague about their mental health might seem intimidating, but it's important to know that you don't need to be a professional to offer support or express concern.
We've created this handy guide to assist you in asking any team member or colleague you’re concerned about: "Are you doing okay?" and help you respond in a suitable and safe manner if they say no.
What you will find in this guide:
If you suspect that someone may be going through distress, initiating a conversation can be beneficial. Discussing mental health can be challenging, but gently expressing concerns can be extremely helpful. When talking to an employee about mental health, always offer the employee assistance program if it is available and remember to respect the boundaries of your role. While support can play a role in the healing process, it’s important to recognise that most of us are not trained to provide treatment.
Before initiating a conversation with someone, here are some steps to follow:
If you find yourself unsure of what to say, there's no need to worry. Simply by being supportive and a good listener, you can make a positive impact. There isn't a single correct way to express yourself; the most important thing is to be thoughtful and sincere.
Remember, you don't have to possess all the answers. Engaging in the conversation and providing support through your words is what matters. Speak in a comfortable manner, and if something doesn't sound quite right, don't hesitate to pause, and try again. It doesn't have to mark the end of the conversation.
Keep in mind that this is another person’s narrative, so avoid attempting to predict its outcome. Instead, focus on actively listening and asking questions.
Pay attention to your body language as well.
Demonstrate that you are engaged by maintaining eye contact and adopting a relaxed posture.
To ensure your understanding is accurate, restate what they have shared in your own words and seek confirmation.
Consider the most appropriate manner to respond. Remember that it's not necessary to fix everything, but you can help and support throughout the process. Here are some options to consider:
Explore potential avenues for additional support. Conclude the conversation by establishing a plan or reaching an agreement on the next course of action. Express gratitude for their willingness to share their story. Take note to follow up with them in a few days to check in on their wellbeing.
Seek to understand their situation and encourage them to seek professional support. Assisting the person in finding additional information and support services can also be valuable. In case of an emergency, dial the appropriate emergency number (e.g., 000). If the matter pertains to an employment issue, it may also be beneficial to discuss the matter with the individual responsible for human resources.
And remember, for everyone’s safety, work safely.
For more information please contact:
Anna leads our Work, Health and Safety (WHS) team which forms part of our broader Workplace Risk Practice. Her team assist clients in understanding their ongoing obligations under WHS legislation and partner with them to implement the right risk prevention strategies for their workplace.
