Cultivating Care: Create a Safe and Open Culture Part 1 - Creating A Safety Culture
Last week, I discussed emotional and physical safety as a critical component for creating and sustaining a safe environment. With the necessary protocols, an organization can become a place that can promote the mental health of its team.
Let’s talk through some extra steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff is prioritized. This includes creating a safe space for meaningful conversations about mental health, allowing for better understanding and support.
Mental health and safety in the workplace are of utmost importance. Organizations are responsible for creating an environment where employees feel supported and safe. By doing so, organizations can build an environment where everyone can thrive.
These five areas may help create the foundation for a culture of safety.
1. Establish Clear Expectations: Clear expectations within the workplace can help create an environment where mental health is respected. Ensure all team members are aware of workplace policies and standards related to mental health.
2. Promote Open Conversation: Encourage team members to have open conversations about mental health in the workplace. This could involve setting up confidential channels for employees to discuss their concerns or offering mental health resources for employees to access.
3. Train Managers and Supervisors: Educate managers and supervisors on identifying signs of distress in team members and handling difficult conversations around mental health. This could involve providing training on active listening skills and how to respond when team members are struggling emotionally.
4. Create a Supportive Work Environment: Make sure the work environment supports mental health by providing flexible working hours and remote work options, if possible. Additionally, create a culture that encourages employees to take regular breaks during the day and practice self-care by engaging in activities that bring them joy or relaxation.
5. Provide Mental Health Resources: Make sure your workplace has mental health resources available that employees can access when needed, such as an Employee Assistance Program or online counseling services. Additionally, provide team members with educational materials on topics related to mental health, such as stress management or coping with anxiety.
6. Monitor Employee Wellness: Monitor employee wellness by checking in with team members periodically and ensuring employees can access the resources they need if they feel overwhelmed or emotionally struggling.
By following these steps, your organization can begin to lay the foundation for a safe space for mental health that ensures all team members feel supported and respected in the workplace.
Every Tuesday through April, I'll share insight on how to help develop an inclusive, inspiring work environment. Follow Kutoa Project's blog to stay up-to-date and learn how to cultivate a culture of care.
For those interested in reading along, please visit https://www.kutoaproject.org/blog.