Last updated on Aug 26, 2024

What are some best practices to support employees' mental health during a crisis or change?

Employee well-being and mental health are crucial for any organization, especially during times of crisis or change. When employees feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, they may experience lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and lower morale. How can you as a manager or leader support your employees' mental health and help them cope with challenging situations? Here are some best practices to consider.

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

One of the most important ways to support employees' mental health is to communicate clearly and frequently with them. Employees need to know what is happening, why it is happening, and how it affects them and their work. They also need to feel heard and valued by their managers and leaders. Communicate with empathy, honesty, and transparency, and avoid creating confusion or uncertainty. Provide regular updates, feedback, and recognition, and encourage employees to share their concerns, questions, and suggestions.

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Michael P. Iarrobino, CISM, CSM

Program Manager | Strategic growth leader
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To avoid a snowball effect, you must provide clear and frequent updates. During a challenging time, minds wander and rumors begin. I find that always being open to your team and including them in the process brings them closer to the mission and more understanding when certain, normally unpopular, decisions are made.

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Amr Awwad

HR, Personnel, Employee Relations, Recruitment, SAP, OD | Labor & Social Insurance Researcher | Top Employee Relations, Personnel and Job Search Strategies Voice 🏆
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Share updates regularly, using transparent and empathetic language. Provide resources and encourage open dialogue through virtual meetings and emails. Foster a supportive environment by listening to concerns and addressing them promptly. Consistent, compassionate communication can help alleviate stress and build resilience.

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Paul Eder, PhD

Top, Top Voice on LinkedIn (130 categories) | Strategy Consulting, Artificial Intelligence, & Data Innovation | Author of FIRESTARTERS
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People don't like uncertainty. Be the leader who helps them see the path and provides empathy for any anxiety they feel. Change can be difficult.

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Steve Ramona

#1 Small Business Marketing Podcast Host | Super Connector | 40 Years Business Mentor | Serving Before Selling Advocate | Keynote Speaker | Soon to be Author
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Kind of reminds me of the time that during a major organizational shift, our team implemented weekly check-ins. Those sessions not only clarified uncertainties but also fostered a sense of community. Employees felt valued and engaged, ultimately enhancing their resilience and productivity. This experience underscored the profound impact of transparent communication on mental health.

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David SEVELIN

CEO Oxwork.eu | We protect workers!
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Je privilégie avant tout une communication ouverte et transparente. Pendant une crise ou un changement, les employés ont besoin de savoir ce qui se passe. Je veille aussi à encourager un environnement où il est normal de parler de santé mentale sans stigmatisation. Enfin, je reste flexible avec les horaires et les attentes, en reconnaissant que chacun gère le stress différemment. En somme, j’écoute, je soutiens, et j’adapte pour créer un espace de travail résilient et empathique.

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2 Offer flexibility and autonomy

Another way to support employees' mental health is to offer them flexibility and autonomy in their work. Employees may have different needs and preferences when it comes to their work schedule, location, and pace. They may also face different challenges and demands in their personal and professional lives. By giving employees some control and choice over their work, you can help them balance their responsibilities, reduce their stress, and increase their motivation and engagement. Be flexible and understanding of employees' circumstances, and trust them to manage their work effectively.

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3 Provide resources and support

A third way to support employees' mental health is to provide them with resources and support that can help them cope and thrive. Employees may need access to information, tools, and training that can help them perform their work, adapt to changes, and learn new skills. They may also need access to mental health services, such as counseling, coaching, or wellness programs, that can help them deal with their emotions, challenges, and goals. Provide employees with adequate and relevant resources and support, and make them aware of the available options and benefits.

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4 Foster a positive and inclusive culture

A fourth way to support employees' mental health is to foster a positive and inclusive culture in your organization. Employees need to feel that they belong, that they are respected, and that they are valued for their contributions and diversity. They also need to feel that they can express themselves, collaborate with others, and have fun at work. Foster a positive and inclusive culture by promoting teamwork, recognition, feedback, diversity, and inclusion. Celebrate successes, acknowledge challenges, and encourage learning and innovation.

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5 Model and encourage self-care

A fifth way to support employees' mental health is to model and encourage self-care among your employees. Employees need to take care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, and to prioritize their well-being and happiness. They need to have healthy habits, such as eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and relaxing and enjoying their hobbies. They also need to set boundaries, manage their time, and ask for help when needed. Model and encourage self-care by practicing it yourself, sharing your tips and experiences, and supporting your employees' choices and needs.

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