Pulse January / February 2021 | Page 23

MIND & BODY : HOW TO PROMOTE MENTAL WELL-BEING IN YOUR SPA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

DO : Help With Stress Management

Employees may be experiencing fear and anxiety related to the pandemic , as being isolated from friends and family can create feelings of loneliness and despair . Figuring out a way to help employees relieve that stress , as well as the pent-up energy from being confined to their homes , will make them stronger .

Kristine Huffman notes that managers can be part of the solution for coping with that stress and create a better , more productive work environment . She suggests the possibility of bringing in an expert to lead a course on stress management or meditation .

“ One of the best things to do when people are under stress is to move ,” Huffman says . “ Give people the ability to get up and move around ( throughout the day ). In my home environment , I ’ m sitting with my computer at my desk all day , so I need to set timers so I get up and move around to burn off some of that energy that just kind of sits there all day . Encourage people to do that and encourage people to take breaks and have something functional that they ’ re doing during the break that is a mindful moment . Get up , walk around and stretch .”

Via Harvard Business Review

l “ What would be most helpful to you right now ?

l “ What can I take off your plate ?”

l “ How can I support you without overstepping ?” l

l

“ Let ’ s discuss the resources we have available here , and what else you might need .” “ I ’ ve been through something similar . And while I don ’ t want to make this about me , I ’ m open to sharing my experience with you if and when it would be helpful .”

know how to diagnose ,” Huffman says . “ That ’ s not your job , and you have to be really clear about that . Your job is leading your team , providing inspiration and helping people get to a better place by providing resources . It ’ s not by being a counselor .”

DON ’ T : Attempt to Fix Employee ' s Personal Issues

Upon noticing a problem with an employee , it ’ s important to understand whether it is a job-related issue or an issue that has an origin elsewhere . If the problem originates outside the workplace , a manager should remember that addressing personal issues isn ’ t part of their role .

“ That ’ s a big no-no ,” Huffman says .

FEATURED SOURCES

“ You should never go into the family issues . It doesn ’ t really serve you to try to give advice on childcare or dealing with spouses , even though there ’ s been an increase in a number of spousal situations and family fights . Things like alcoholism have increased a lot . But it ’ s never a good idea to get involved in trying to give people advice on how to deal with whatever ’ s going on .”

When these personal issues start impacting performance , that ’ s a red flag . Huffman recommends meeting with that individual and laying out the problem as it relates to work and seeing if there is a solution , whether it is adjusting a schedule or suggesting a resource . n