3 Tips for Managers: Approaching Conversations on Mental Health with Sensitivity

Photo by: Volodymyr Hryshchenko - Unsplash

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Acknowledge the discussion might be awkward

“I want to talk to you about something that may feel a little awkward, but I’m going to embrace the awkwardness because I care about you.”

Let them know they don’t have to share

“...I invite you to share because I care about you. You absolutely don’t have to answer. I don’t want to pry. But please know that I’m happy to talk about anything you want to talk about.”

Recognize if you’re not the best resource 

Managers need to keep in mind that it is important for your employees to have somebody to talk to, but it doesn’t have to be you. If the answer is not you, rather than take it personally, be happy that they’ve got a resource.

Adapted from: CNBC, “5 ways managers can talk about mental health at work without overstepping” written by Jennifer Liu