​​How Our Values Impact Our Mental Health at Work

Personal values drive our behaviours and decisions every day. When our values align to the work we do and to the workplace environment, there is greater positive impact on our mental health and overall productivity. Our values allow us to be more of ourselves at work, bringing authentic contributions, ideas and perspectives to the table. When our values are not met there can be increased levels of stress, burnout and fatigue. As an example, guest-facing service-oriented tourism and hospitality jobs tend to attract individuals who value caring for and supporting others. If those individuals suddenly find themselves working in the heart of the house with little to no guest interactions, they may soon lose productivity and interest in their work. 

Do you feel like your values are not fully aligned at work?  Good news, research shows that volunteering in your community has a positive impact on your mental health. Want to explore your values more? Check out these tips. How to Find, Define, and Use Your Values (hbr.org)

As a leader, when you encourage and respect the values of your team members, psychological safety increases making for a more innovative, diverse and engaged workforce. One of the ways you can do this is to foster a leadership style that is open, supportive, and encouraging. A workplace that has ample opportunities for input, feedback and a clear understanding of how decisions are made fosters better mental health for all involved.

Want to explore some simple steps your workplace can take to improve aligning values into the workplace? Contact one of our Workplace Psychological Health & Safety Coaches today! Mental Health at Work in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry | go2HR