Mental health training for managers is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy workforce. The more knowledge professionals provide to managers, the better their understanding of their team’s mental well-being. By implementing mental health training for managers, companies are also preventing poor mental health from arising from teams, as managers will be able to implement techniques to help employees feel comfortable and confident.
It is important to note that delivering mental health training for managers does not mean they take on a psychologist’s role. It means that they are given the tools to understand well-being triggers and can develop strategies to create a supportive work environment.
Tackling communication barriers
When creating an action plan for mental health training for managers, it is essential to consider the most important aspect: communication. Managers need to have a strong communication skillset in place to initiate and handle challenging conversations. Creating a sound communication system between a manager and employees is also important. It creates a safe space for employees to feel confident enough to speak to their managers about workplace situations (too much work, pressure, asking questions…).
The LARA Method
Managers can use the LARA method framework to help them create a conversation around complex subjects with open and transparent communication. The LARA method consists of the following:
Listen: Actively listen to what the other person is saying. Try to understand what they say, not just listen passively.
Affirm: Value what the other person says. This will help create a common ground, even if you disagree with what they are saying.
Respond: It shows you are engaging and addressing the other person’s concerns/ conversation.
Ask: This demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in exchanging ideas and information.
This method improves communication and fosters constructive dialogue that fosters mutual respect and a shared commitment to finding solutions in the workplace. Ultimately, the LARA method empowers managers to build stronger relationships and address difficult issues with empathy and effectiveness.
Wellness Action Plan
Mental health training for managers should be provided by every company in order to facilitate communication between managers and employees. However, if this isn’t the case in your company, you can use some of the resources available, which can aid you in maintaining a healthy workforce.
One of these resources is ifeel’s Wellness Action Plan (WAP), which you can download for free here. The WAP is a resource designed by psychologists to help identify mental well-being triggers among employees. This document can be shared with their managers but not with HR Managers. Therefore, it is a confidential document. If work-related mental health problems are present, the WAP can help address them. If they do not exist, it can be a good prevention tool.
In addition, it can be an excellent way to open a conversation surrounding mental health and the triggers that cause poor mental well-being between managers and employees. Managers can make the most of this resource to improve communication with employees and make them feel they are responsive to their needs.
Benefits of mental health training for managers:
Implementing mental health training for managers can benefit managers, employees, and the company. Mental health training for managers is a strategic investment with far-reaching benefits. By prioritising employees’ mental well-being, organisations can create a workplace culture that supports individual growth and contributes to the business’s overall success and sustainability. Here are some of the benefits of implementing mental health training for managers:
1. Learn how to spot mental health red flags
Equipping managers with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of mental distress in their team members allows for early intervention and support, preventing potential crises and promoting overall well-being.
2. Initiate a conversation around mental health
Creating an open dialogue about mental well-being reduces the stigma associated with mental health issues, fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking support when needed. This proactive approach enhances the manager-employee relationship and promotes a culture of trust and understanding within the organisation.
3. Strengthens communication
As mentioned, communication is a crucial element when discussing mental well-being in the workplace. Strong communication skills enable managers to convey information more effectively, resolve conflicts with empathy, and create a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels heard and valued.
4. Enhanced productivity
When employees feel supported and understood, they are more likely to be engaged in their work, resulting in increased productivity and higher performance. Addressing mental health concerns early on can also prevent issues from escalating and affecting job performance.
5. Boost employee mental well-being
When managers are aware and trained about mental health issues, they can have more open conversations with employees about the subject, as well as identify if their employees are struggling with poor mental health. Employees who feel supported by their superiors are more inclined to ask for help, especially if their company offers them a mental well-being solution. This leads to early intervention or even prevention, helping tackle poor mental health.
There are numerous benefits to providing mental health training for managers. Not only does this assist them in identifying triggers that affect employees’ mental health, but it also enhances their understanding of these triggers and the steps they can take to help their employees.
Mental well-being solutions for organisations
Remember that providing mental health training for managers is a step forward in taking care of your teams’ mental well-being. However, if you want to go further, you must look at the whole picture and accompany every staff member in their employee life-cycle.
At ifeel, we partner with companies worldwide to inspire human growth and guide organisations in cultivating a positive mental well-being culture. A tailored and people-centric approach that places your employees’ health at the core as a fundamental pillar in attracting and retaining talent as well as enhancing their sense of belonging. Try our programme now and see how it can help you and your workforce.
Ifeel is a unique, comprehensive, and scalable solution that uses the power of data to provide a holistic understanding of your employees’ mental well-being whilst ensuring service quality and confidentiality for your team.
We hope you found this article on mental health training for managers useful. If you would like more information about our mental well-being solution for companies, simply request it, and we will contact your team as soon as possible.
