'Managers should be urged to really listen, and encourage questions and concerns'
Managers across New Zealand are being urged to proactively and regularly check in with their frontline team members as one way to support their wellbeing, according to a white paper.
The white paper, released by Humanforce, said simply asking employees if they are okay can make a huge difference for them.
"Managers should be urged to really listen, and encourage questions and concerns," the paper said. "Managers might also share their own mental health struggles and what worked for them; encouraging and prioritising self-help can go a long way towards removing stigmas."
Frontline’s mental health
Humanforce provided the advice as it noted that frontline workers often face stressful, as well as physically and emotionally draining challenges in the workplace.
To make matters worse, not all frontline workers seek help. One paper in the United States found that frontline employees are less likely to seek support regarding anxiety and depression in the workplace.
Humanforce's paper said while employees may not want to share much detail, what matters is they know that they are able to do so when they can.
"A psychologically safe environment is one where people can ask for support if needed, without fear of negative repercussions," the paper said. "Managers should also be informed of what support services are available to staff."
Read more on what other steps employers can take to support the wellbeing of their frontline staff in this new white paper.
