A big part of culture is being in tune with your team’s mental health. Especially now during a time when our entire world has lost its damn mind. Work needs to be a place where employees can get shit done, in a welcoming and safe environment. Talk about stuff, address the hard topics and make it ok for them to feel, for you to feel.
Here are a few things you can do as a company to ensure your culture and your team stay healthy.
Mental Health Days
We are being barraged 24/7 with some really depressing shit and it’s a lot to take in. It isn’t business as usual when 21 people are murdered by a psycho with an AR-15. As an employer, you need to make it okay for your team to feel, take time, and talk about things – if they want. Don’t force conversations, that’s just awkward for everyone.
If you have mental health days, encourage your team to take them. Set an example by taking one yourself.
Boundaries
Remind your employees to set boundaries. We had no boundaries between work and home for 2 years, we’re still recovering. They need to be able to shut it off and not worry you’ll be blowing up their inbox between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. If for some reason you need to get ahold of them after hours, pick up the phone and call them.
Admit the Struggle
Make it okay to admit the struggle. If your employees feel they have to keep up appearances, then you need to check your culture. They should feel comfortable asking for help when they need it.
Make mental health a priority in your company, it’s what great cultures are made of.
