Practical, Easy(ish) Ways to Do an Employee Well-Being Check-In
You care about your employees and their mental health. You want to talk with them. But these conversations can be tricky and sensitive. And of course, you also care about their work and their productivity. What do you do?
Today I bring expert insights from Angela Gaffney of East West Family of Companies from Beaver Creek Colorado.
2 Easy-Ish Ways to Do an Employee Well-Being Check-In
Angela and I would also be curious about YOUR best practices. How do you check in on your employee’s well-being in a way that feels connected and appropriate?
Employee Well-Being Check-in Best Practice 1:
At the beginning of training programs or meetings, ask employees to reflect on the emotions they’re carrying with them on a sticky note.
Then put the sticky notes up so they are visible. You can even group them into themes and notice the patterns.
Then give people an opportunity to share/discuss at their tables– creating awareness of each other as humans.
This normalizes being okay to say “I’m not okay.”
This connection makes the collaboration on the work at hand easier as people are more sensitive to one another.
Employee Well-Being Check-in Best Practice 2: Nourish Discussions
Another best practice is to hold “Nourish Discussions.” These facilitated small group gatherings provide an opportunity to discuss what is happening in their lives. They share challenges and strategies to cope. It’s all about supporting one another. And, opening the door for those conversations to take place.
I’m a big fan of using one-on-one meetings to have these kinds of conversations. What I thought was unique to Angela’s approach was that they were group conversations– allowing employees to strategize and share ideas.
Providing time and space for these employee well-being check-ins, shows you recognize the struggle, care, and are invested in supporting your teams.
What would you add? What’s one of your favorite best practices to support your employee’s mental health and well-being?
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