​Supporting Staff During Challenging Times

If you’re in a leadership role at work, you might be feeling like you’re being pulled in several directions. It can feel especially tricky to find balance when your staff are dealing with personal or work-related challenges.

You know it is important to keep your staff and colleagues supported, but how can you support them without burning yourself out?

Stress and anxiety are high in many workplaces. Most of us are trying to do our best, but even routine tasks might feel like a struggle from time to time. It is okay not to be okay.

Employees who feel acknowledged and supported by management experience an enhanced sense of control over their situation, which leads to greater feelings of wellbeing. Additionally, aside from acknowledging your employees’ feelings, you can also be open about your own challenges when it is appropriate.

It can be helpful to initiate a difficult conversation by recognizing the strengths and skills workers bring to their job. Share what you appreciate about their contributions and acknowledge the challenges they are experiencing.

If you sense that one of your employees is feeling the pressure more acutely or something doesn’t seem right, it may be time to connect with that worker in a different way. Don’t forget about employees who may be temporarily away from work due to various reasons. They may feel even more isolated and appreciate knowing that you care.

Individuals may not be aware of the resources they have access to for support, whether for their mental health or on topics that might reduce their stress. Some employees may also not have time or the ability to develop strong relationships outside of work, which means their colleagues might feel like their primary social connections.

Consider posting information about community resources and websites in visible places for employees. Express any concerns you have in a caring way by describing what you have noticed that has changed in the employee. Let them know you want to help them stay healthy and well as they carry out their work.

Sometimes a caring manager, supervisor or team leader will try to take on too much. You may say something like, ‘I’m here whenever you need me,’ or end up discussing very personal topics with employees. However, it isn’t reasonable to expect that you can be everything to everyone.

Setting boundaries around when you are available, how to reach you, and what you can or cannot do is actually a kind thing to do. Rather than making promises you cannot keep or discouraging someone from seeking additional support, there may be times when you have to acknowledge that you need to take care of yourself as well.