Are you creating a safe company culture?

Imagine walking into an office where you feel safe, heard, understood, and happy where you work. Where you’re not judged or penalized for being human and needing to manage work responsibilities with life. Or, where you’re not fearful of losing your job for being honest and looking for help. 

I think you’d appreciate that. Let’s be honest, we’d all appreciate that.

So how can workplaces begin to create safe spaces for their teams? Why is this important?

As a leader, you hold immense power in shaping your organization's culture and influencing the overall well-being of your employees. A staggering 80% of workers experience mental health issues, according to a survey conducted by Mind Share Partners, yet only half seek help. Why? Because they don't believe their company cultures embrace vulnerability. But when you foster a psychologically safe space, everyone wins! Engagement, collaboration, and innovation soar.

So let's dive into three ways to cultivate a mentally healthy workspace:

1. Encourage Open Dialogue: Research shows that breaking down the silence around mental health increases empathy, reduces prejudice, and enhances connection. Schedule regular check-ins with your team, giving them ample opportunity to voice their thoughts and feelings freely. Also, share your own stories of resilience; showing your humanity makes it easier for others to do the same.

2. Offer Resources & Support: Ensure easy access to mental health tools, whether via teletherapy, apps, workshops, or coaching sessions. According to Ginger's 2021 Workforce Attitudes Toward Mental Health Report, 85% of employees want their employers to offer mental healthcare benefits, and 69% think virtual therapy options are essential. In fact, new Ginger data shows 96% of CEOs believe their companies are doing enough for employee mental health, yet only 69% of employees agree. This discrepancy in perspective and support can be detrimental to your business. Another area where workplace leaders can use a bit more training when they become people managers is training on recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately. We’re not saying you have to become a therapist or psychologist by any means. However, becoming a manager involves more than just pushing teams to reach their quotas or meeting deadlines.

3. Co-Create Solutions: Partner with your employees to tackle mental health challenges together. Ask for input on preferred methods of support and integrate feedback regularly. Remember, no one size fits all! And keep refining your strategy based on results and evolving needs. Lean on your HR or People Team when additional help or perspectives could be helpful.

Now, imagine having a trusted partner guiding you along this journey, tailoring bespoke solutions for your organization's unique environment, and empowering you to build a truly inclusive, vibrant culture. That's precisely what we do at Good Vibes Wellness. Our carefully crafted corporate wellness programs cater to diverse industries and demographics, bolstering emotional intelligence and promoting mindfulness, meditation, gratitude journaling, and other evidence-based techniques proven to enhance mental health and productivity.

Let’s join forces and transform lives – yours included – because great leadership starts from within. Together, we'll embark on a mission to eradicate stigma, boost morale, and pave the way for a brighter future defined by authentic connections and unbridled growth. Are you ready? Let’s connect and start co-creating your ideal workplace!