Advocating for mental health is no longer optional for today’s business leaders.⁠
⁠
The mental health of employees is not a new concern for aesthetic business leaders, but it is a mounting one. With the rise of coronavirus, your team member’s feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness are only increasing. Learning how to support the mental health of your team is not only important for their well being but also the wellbeing of your business.⁠
⁠
A 2019 study by Mindshare Partners states that people are 2x more likely to support their colleagues’ mental health than to talk about their own challenges.  60% of respondents claimed they never talked about mental health at work.* It’s time for you to be the exception. A staggeringly low percentage of employees report ever hearing their leaders talk about the importance of mental health, and even fewer report hearing them discuss personal struggles and challenges. ⁠
⁠
Now, more than ever your team must see you, their leader, as an advocate. Vulnerably share about your mental health challenges, discussing them in a way that presents them as strengths rather than weaknesses. ⁠
⁠
Creating a resilient and supportive team culture means becoming an advocate for your employees’ mental health. ⁠
⁠
Here are a few ideas of how you can show support and advocate for your team:⁠

⁠
1.) Offer more mental health days, schedule shorter shifts, or decrease employee workloads. ⁠

2.) Host Zoom group workshops, focusing on mental health, and supporting one another.⁠

3.) Sponsor group or individual counseling. If finances are a concern, consider providing employees access to medication or exercise apps instead.⁠
⁠
Your employees are your single greatest asset, and they need to be cared for as such. Keep empathy at the heart of every decision you make. Ensure your employees understand that they won’t be punished for taking a mental health day, and encourage them in practices of self-care. Educate yourself on the subject of mental health and the way it affects your team and business. ⁠
⁠
As you learn how to best advocate and support your team, I am here to help. Please, reach out to me with any questions that you have!
⁠
⁠
* Mindshare Partners