How to support employees if you are a manager

The manager plays a significant role in maintaining the mental health of their employees, especially if one of them is experiencing anxiety or stress.

How can you help?

• Encourage employees to self-help and collective care.
• Be an example – don’t work overtime, show kindness, be open.
• Meet to discuss difficulties, problems and ways to solve them.
• Make sure employees have breaks and time to spend with family and friends.
• Print and post information about mental health support services in workplaces.
• Pay special attention to employees who may be discriminated and who need additional support.
• Have an open-door policy – encourage the employees to talk freely with you and their colleagues about their problems.
• Proactively resolve the conflicts: emphasize the importance of the friendly environment, kindness and empathy – towards yourself and other team members.

The same advice is also relevant when interacting with volunteers – taking care of others, they also need support.

* Based on the WHO Guide (the name of the adapted Guide is being clarified).