Empowering Employee Mental Health: Leading the Charge to Prioritize Well-being on Workers' Day!
We all should be at the forefront of advocating for businesses to prioritize the well-being of their workforce
Building Trust and Resilience: Shaping the Future of Work After the Pandemic
Amid the ongoing global pandemic, workers worldwide are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress, as revealed by the 2022 Gallup World Poll. The survey, conducted across 160 countries in 2021, found that 44% of workers reported significant stress on the previous day, with over one-fifth expressing feelings of anger or sadness. In response to this shifting landscape, experts like Dr. Mindy Shoss are urging organizations to prioritize trust-building, alleviate uncertainty, and address employee challenges. The pandemic has underscored the need for businesses to adapt swiftly to sudden changes in work and personal lives. Moreover, there has been a remarkable shift in attitudes towards employee mental health, with companies now recognizing its paramount importance. As emphasized by Dr. Leslie Hammer, employers must create environments that either mitigate or exacerbate mental health issues. This heightened recognition empowers workers to demand supportive environments that value their well-being. Dr. L. Casey Chosewood highlights the influence employees hold due to the scarcity of skilled workers and the competitive job market. Effectively managing and adapting to these changes will position organizations as leaders in attracting top talent.
So, what are the things organizations can do to facilitate these changes?
Fostering the ‘Leading by Example’ Culture
Research by Dr. Leslie Hammer reveals that well-being improves when supervisors acknowledge employees' personal lives, including family and sleep needs. Training interventions for supervisors focus on active listening, open-ended questioning, and demonstrating the importance of work-life balance. The interventions have shown positive outcomes, including increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover intentions among employees.
Leaders who embrace vulnerability can enhance psychological safety within their teams, according to research by Dr. Constantinos Coutifaris and Dr. Adam Grant. Sharing personal areas of improvement from performance reviews fosters a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges and contributing innovative solutions. This environment encourages risk-taking, open communication, and engagement in quality improvement efforts.
A Candidate-driven Market
Employees quitting in record numbers signals a clear message: they refuse to stay in organizations that neglect their well-being. Dubbed the “Great Resignation” by Anthony Klotz, PhD, the ongoing trend reflects a shift in priorities as individuals question the toll of stressful jobs on their lives. Rather than leaving the workforce entirely, employees seek greener pastures offering remote work, better compensation, and comprehensive benefits like education support and parental leave. This candidate-driven market has compelled companies to adapt, with remote work options becoming the norm and hiring expanding globally. However, organizations must address the challenges of remote work to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, a fresh approach to selecting leaders is emerging, focusing on diversity and equitable opportunities. As past experience alone may hinder diverse candidates, simulation tools now assess leadership potential, providing a fairer and more inclusive hiring process.
Support for vulnerable workers
Post-pandemic, essential workers are gaining newfound appreciation, as companies recognize their crucial roles in society. Cultivating a positive culture has become key to retaining employees, with effective communication and engagement strategies leading the way. Psychologists like Heidi Glickman, PhD, have witnessed the transformative impact of improved employee support, such as frequent surveys, regular team meetings, and flexible scheduling. The hope is that the push for better working conditions, fair pay, and benefits for service jobs will persist beyond the pandemic. The elevation of these roles to “hero” status during the crisis, coupled with societal recognition, has paved the way for positive change. As we stand at a crossroads, it is crucial to seize this opportunity and advocate for policies that prioritize workplace safety and job quality.
In conclusion,
During these challenging times of the global pandemic, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize trust, address employee challenges, and support mental health. As we navigate the era of the "Great Resignation," it is imperative to adapt by offering remote work options, competitive benefits, and fostering inclusive leadership. Together in this International Workers Day, let us advocate for workplace safety and the creation of quality jobs, envisioning a brighter future for everyone involved.
To learn more about Mekari's commitment to promoting a positive work culture and staying connected with our latest updates, follow our Instagram account @lifeatmekari. We also invite you to join us for the next edition of Monday's Mavens for exciting discussions and inspiring content. Until next Monday… Keep advocating for the work environment that supports your growth!