Today’s post is another strategy in our ongoing video series on how to create a compassionate workplace in which you can offer employee support. Today’s tip is to educate yourself on the resources that are available to you and your staff.
Educate yourself on what resources are available
Whether you’re a small startup or a large conglomerate, if you identify a need for employee support, remember that you are not alone. If you are in a large organization, access to employee support is usually easier. There is probably someone in HR (or a web page somewhere) that can point you to resources such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), counseling and/or medical aid, and even services such as childcare and eldercare. But small organizations have options too. There are local area crisis hotlines and mental health clinics that you can guide your employees to. Take the time to find out about what’s available.
If an employee needs support, your response is vital
If you encounter a staff member in need of employee support, your response is vital. First and foremost, approach the situation with empathy and respect, ensuring your employee feels safe and understood. You can then provide information about your organization’s available mental health resources, including benefits plans, crisis hotlines, and local mental health clinics. Encouraging your employee to seek professional help and offering assistance in navigating these resources can be tremendously supportive.
Above all, maintain open and confidential communication letting the employee know that seeking help is not a weakness, but rather a strength. This is how you will foster a trusting relationship that will let your employee express their needs and concerns. At the end of the day, compassionate leadership is about prioritizing the well-being of your staff members, so be prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments in workload or responsibilities to help them get past this obstacle. Ultimately when you focus on employee support, you will build greater loyalty, productivity and performance.
Tell us what resources are available in your organization and in the greater community. What you share me be of help to another leader, so please take a moment to add a comment below.
And if you’d like to access the earlier sixteen tips in this series, you can do so here: Creating a compassionate workplace video series