Supporting Employees: Lessons for Managers
Ensuring Confidentiality and Empathy
Reassure and Listen
When faced with a situation where an employee confides in you:
- Ensure confidentiality and genuine concern.
- Make them feel heard and understood.
- Repeating their concerns can sometimes lead to deeper insights.
Promoting Self-Reflection and Hope
Encourage Reflection
Guide the employee to reflect on past coping strategies:
- Help them identify what has worked for them before.
- Ask probing questions to uncover effective methods.
Offer Hope and Direction
Empower the employee by:
- Instilling confidence in their ability to navigate the situation.
- Pointing them towards resources and support networks.
- Emphasising that solutions lie within their grasp.
Collaboration and Support
Seeking Additional Support
Recognise that solutions may involve:
- Involving HR or other relevant parties, with the employee's consent.
- Encouraging the employee to seek advice from peers or mentors.
Ongoing Review and Adjustment
Commit to:
- Regularly reviewing progress and adjusting strategies as needed.
- Offering continuous support through the process of adaptation.
- Suggesting ways to manage stress and maintain work-life balance.