In any professional industry, leaders are required to possess the relevant communication and interpersonal skills in order to maintain a positive environment.
A secure workplace will be one in which each employee is able to come into work and voice any concerns they may have, and in return, receive the necessary respect and support from those in executive positions.
Particularly, when it comes to issues like mental health, there is a significant need for open and honest communication. Without this, problems are likely to snowball, which can affect overall morale and productivity.
Fortunately, workplace training programmes can serve as a reminder to employees that support networks are in place to allow them to communicate any problems that may be occurring, and offer a confidential environment in which to make their voices heard.
Identifying any problems
A study conducted by NHS Employers revealed that one in three of the UK workforce had been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. While mental health issues in the workplace are not uncommon, many will not raise it with their employers.
It is therefore essential for all employees to be able to identify and support others who may be dealing with any issues. If a particular employee is increasingly absent, withdrawn, or their productivity has significantly faltered, a simple question in a discreet manner can make a huge difference in helping them to recover.
Communicating with impact
Merely reminding employees that they can voice any mental health concerns may not convince them to come forward. According to a poll conducted by Time to Change, only 13% of employees would be comfortable talking about mental illness in the workplace. Therefore, leaders need to go the extra mile to ensure that any underlying problems are brought to the forefront.
Modern workplace training programmes can be constructed to teach employees how to develop superior support networks while improving their general communication and interpersonal skills. The first step to dealing with mental health issues is acknowledgement, and workplace training can serve as the perfect environment to enhance internal communication and make the workplace inclusive of all.
Prioritising communication and interpersonal skills in workplace training
While workplace training programmes will typically present a clear focus on developing professional skills, they can also be utilised to provide a platform in which employees can voice their opinions on general workplace-related issues, which can go a long way in solving any problems.
A study by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health revealed that 43% of employees would like to receive more support from senior management. To provide this support for the wider workforce, focusing on communication and interpersonal skills will allow for individual development time, which can improve morale and productivity.
At MDA Training, when it comes to embracing transparent communication in the workplace, we adopt an experiential approach. Tailored to your specific needs, we are able to structure a programme that provides all employees with a platform to voice their concerns.
Supporting employees who may be dealing with mental health issues should be a priority for business leaders, and possessing the appropriate communication and interpersonal skills can go a long way in ensuring that individuals feel valued and protected in their professional lives.