Whether it is financial, mental, or
physical, in the workplace or at home, tough times in our lives are inevitable.
However, though we cannot always prevent these things from happening, there is
a lot we can do to make them better. So, without further ado, here are 5 easy
ways to give employees support through difficult times.
- It's okay not to be okay
According to the Mental Health Foundation,
over 14% of employees experience mental health struggles in the workplace. Due
to this, mental health problems account for 12.7% of days taken off for
sickness in the UK. However, due to the stigma, many people will push their
feelings aside, which can ultimately cause mental health to take a knock in the
long run.
As this is such a key contributor to
absences in the workplace, it is essential to legitimise the impact of mental
health issues. Show your employees that it is okay not to be okay sometimes;
sick leave for mental health problems is just as reasonable and justifiable as
sick leave for physical ailments.
- Encourage self care and mindfulness activities
Make resources and coping strategies easily
available and accessible to your team. In doing so, employees will be able to
spot and deal with things early, and know exactly how to better themselves. The
most transferable coping techniques for those tough times include self care and
mindfulness, focusing on the senses, breathing, and relaxation.
- Offer useful employee benefits
Tough times are often caused by an
unpredictable event or crisis, which has added an extra layer of stress to our
day-to-day lives. Thus, it is important for employers to use their platform to
support employees with tangible benefits that can actually help.
For example, during the cost-of-living
crisis, income protection insurance, for some, might be priceless. In case of
an accident or long-term illness, group
critical illness cover will give employees reassurance that they can
get the help they need. And finally, life insurance gives a financial safety
net during health care crises, such as the coronavirus pandemic.
- Be proactive and constructive
When times are tough, it is only natural
that some people will find it difficult to hear or take on board feedback or
criticism that could be negative. Instead, try to be proactive in your approach
to problem solving, working with employees through every step when required.
If criticism is ever warranted, however,
this does not mean that you cannot be open and honest about it. The key here is
to make sure all criticism is constructive, and backed up by potential ways and
techniques that could eradicate the issue going forward.
- Allow open communication
There are numerous reasons why employees
might be having a tough time, from problems at home to problems at work. In
2019, 52% of people with mental health issues cited workplace
pressure as the cause of their problems, while 36% said it was their
workload, and 35% reported a lack of support.
By encouraging employees to talk to you, a
HR representative, or a nominated person, you will be able to notice patterns
and concerns early, preventing these tough times from turning into long-term
sickness.
With these 5 things in mind, your company
will be able to better support employees, boosting morale and employee
satisfaction, whilst simultaneously reducing sick days and downtime.
