Train your managers to promote health and well-being
Managers and supervisors who work directly with employees are key to implementing and sustaining policies and procedures and creating a generally supportive environment. Teaching supervisors how to support employees and recognize the signs of stress and mental health issues helps reduce turnover and absenteeism.
Why this matters to leaders
Midlevel managers are often the gatekeepers of employee well-being—they determine whether employees can actually utilize the benefits and resources your organization offers. Without their buy-in, these opportunities are moot for many staff.
Educating managers in respecting work-life harmony—essentially, why it’s important for them to view their employees as whole people with complex lives—can help employees better manage their work and life responsibilities and goals and improve job performance and employee satisfaction.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion trainings are also connected to supporting employee mental health. They require leaders and managers to understand and carry out their organizations' inclusive policies and practices, welcome diverse points of view, and foster a psychologically safe workplace.
What the research says
Research demonstrates the impact of supervisor and manager training in employee wellness and mental health.
Research shows leaders with even three hours of mental health awareness training (MHAT) report improved attitudes about mental health and a higher motivation to promote mental health at work.
A study on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Total Worker Health program showed that leadership training improved employees’ personal and job well-being (i.e., the program increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover intentions).
Training managers in physical- and mental-health-promoting practices can also help them lead by example. One study showed leadership training that includes sleep promotion can reduce turnover and improve job satisfaction.
Approaches to consider
Consider training your managers in skill sets that support mental health and positive relationships.
Create a welcoming and safe work climate that builds trust among leadership and employees, contributes to job satisfaction, and helps minimize job-related stress.
Coach managers and supervisors to understand the range of health benefits and programs and to nurture their employees to access those resources.
Managers and supervisors who work directly with employees are key to implementing and sustaining policies and procedures and creating a supportive environment.
References:
https://www.apa.org/topics/workplace/mental-health/train-managers