How Managers Impact Their Employees' Mental Health
August 24, 2023
A manager’s role goes just beyond managing tasks. It is important to prioritize employees’ mental health and create a positive workplace environment where they can thrive.
A manager’s role goes just beyond managing tasks. It is important to prioritize employees’ mental health and create a positive workplace environment where they can thrive.
As a manager, your role goes beyond simply keeping your team motivated and productive. You also have a significant influence on your employees’ mental health.
An employee’s mental well-being is essential to creating a healthy and successful work environment. The Workforce Institute at UKG surveyed 3,400 employees in 10 countries, including the United States, and found that managers impact employee mental health more than doctors and therapists. In fact, 69% of respondents agreed that managers have the most influence. Doctors and therapists trailed behind with 51% and 41% respectively.
So, what does this mean for managers? When a manager engages in poor management practices, it can lead to stress, burnout and anxiety among your team members. This not only can decrease job satisfaction and cause employees to leave but also potentially contribute to financial losses.
On the other hand, when you prioritize building positive workplace relationships, it creates an environment that supports your employees’ mental well-being, keeps them motivated and on the payroll!
A manager’s actions, attitudes and communication skills directly affect how employees feel mentally. Below are ways managers can create a supportive environment that reduces stress and uplift their teams.
The work environment should be a place that encourages productivity and personal growth for employees. Establishing an open dialogue or open-door policy is key to helping tackle any mental health issues that may arise. Employees should feel safe sharing their ideas and expressing themselves freely. This builds trust, which can help an employee feel more comfortable going to their supervisor when times get tough.
Conducting regular check-ins with employees is a great way to provide ongoing support. By taking the time to talk to your team members, you show them that their opinions and contributions matter. These check-ins also serve as an opportunity to identify any mental health concerns that your employees may be facing.
It’s not always easy for an employee to be open at work about their mental health. But, for a manager, it is crucial to stay attuned to any signs that could indicate a decline in mental wellbeing.
Here are a few red flags to look out for:
Paying attention to these signs can make a big difference in spotting trouble before it becomes a crisis or troublesome performance issue.
It’s vital for managers to be educated about mental health issues and the resources that are available. By knowing how to recognize signs and taking appropriate steps to assist employees, they can foster an inclusive and healthy work environment.
Some resources to consider:
While the mental health of employees is important, managers must also prioritize their own mental health.
Your mental well-being can significantly influence the entire team’s work environment and performance. When a manager finds themselves under stress or dealing with mental health challenges, decision-making abilities, communication and overall leadership can be negatively affected. This leads to a tense work environment, decreased productivity and even more mental health issues among team members.
To prioritize their mental health managers might seek professional help when needed, practicing stress management techniques and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By doing so, managers can model positive mental health behaviors and foster a more supportive, understanding and resilient workplace.
Managers hold a pivotal position when it comes to their employees’ mental health, but the responsibility also lies with the organization as a whole. When the workplace prioritizes the well-being of both managers and employees, it fosters a supportive environment.
63 percent of workers in the United States report that they are ready to leave their job due to work-related stressors. Work-life balance has become increasingly important to today’s work society post-pandemic.
There are lots of options to de-stress the work environment and help employees balance work and their personal life:
When an organization invests in policies, practices and benefits, it signals to the employees that their mental well-being is valued. This creates a positive corporate culture that boosts morale and creates empathy and understanding.
Get your initiative off the ground:
Setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself and your team is key to successful management. Advocating for necessary resources to ensure that team members are physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and culturally safe will create an atmosphere of trustworthiness that builds strong relationships.
If you are not sure where to start when it comes to promoting positive mental health practices, we are here for you. Reach out to one of our employee benefits advisors for guidance and support.
