There is no doubt that managers play a vital role in promoting well-being in the workplace but how and where should they start?
In order for individuals to flourish in an organization, leaders should focus on cultivating the following conditions for employees:
Fostering meaning and belonging- help employees understand what they bring to table and how their work matters to the organization, linking it to the broader mission and vision.
Clear and caring communication- leaders that communicate with clarity and care build trusted relationships. Employees want to know what is expected of them and that their managers care about them as individuals.
Opportunity for growth- effective managers have ongoing coaching conversations with their direct reports and have their pulse on each of their strengths and passions. They also provide opportunities for them to stretch into new skills and environments.
Safe and inclusive teams- managers that encourage courageous decision-making and even failure have more innovative teams. When employees feel their ideas are welcomed and acknowledged they become more confident to take risks and collaborate with others, resulting in higher engagement and innovation at work.
As a manager, this may feel like an overwhelming list to tackle, so try starting with one area first. Consider focusing on the one that would have the biggest impact on your team if you started tomorrow. For example, to demonstrate that you care about providing opportunities for growth, schedule 1:1 development conversations with your direct reports and ask them questions like, "What part of your work has you excited these days?", "What would you like to be doing more of?", or "What teams or projects would you like to have more exposure to?". Then follow-up with them to share what you are doing to act on their feedback.
Or, if your organization is going through a big change, focus on providing clear and caring communication. Provide a safe space to discuss the change. Model vulnerability by sharing your own feelings and acknowledging the feelings of others. Then provide a clear message of how the team can move forward.
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