5 Ways To Emotionally Support Your Team In The Workplace

How supported do you think your team feels when they come to work? 

Do they feel supported not only as an employee but in all areas of their life? 

Do they feel supported as a whole human? 

According to a study by Deloitte, companies with inclusive cultures are 2.3 times more likely to be high-performing and have 1.8 times more likely to be change-ready. These statistics highlight the importance of fostering a supportive and authentic workplace environment. The traditional mantra of "leaving your personal life at the door" no longer suffices in addressing the complexities faced by modern employees.

Let me give you a hypothetical to consider. Our hypothetical character is going to be called Lee. Lee, recently promoted to Development Director, he’s a business leader, dealing with significant personal hardships. Despite the advice to “leave it at the door”, Lee's emotional state impacts his team. 

How? 

Well let’s look at his team.  Sarah, a recent hire, feels Lee's distant demeanor undermines her confidence. Brendan questions his own performance, contemplating leaving. Emma sacrifices personal commitments, questioning her value.

Recognizing what a lack of authenticity, communication, and support in the workplace can create within a team, we as business leaders need to move towards workplaces built on emotional intelligence and psychological safety.

Here are five essential tips to transition from outdated practices to a culture of trust and support.

1. Cultivate a Culture of Authenticity

Encouraging leaders and employees to bring their true selves to work fosters an environment that values authenticity and vulnerability. Create opportunities for open conversations and provide support for personal challenges. This approach helps build genuine connections within the team.

2. Promote Psychological Safety

Building trust within teams is crucial. Create an atmosphere where individuals feel safe to express their opinions, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal. Foster open communication channels and encourage active listening. Google’s Project Aristotle found that psychological safety is the most important factor in team effectiveness.

3. Provide Resources and Support

Offer resources such as employee assistance programs, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements to help employees manage personal challenges while maintaining their professional responsibilities. Providing these resources shows a commitment to the holistic well-being of your staff.

4. Lead by Example

Leaders should model authenticity and open communication. By sharing their own struggles and demonstrating empathy, leaders set the tone for a culture of psychological safety and support. This transparency can create a ripple effect, encouraging team members to do the same.

5. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Encourage leaders and employees to develop emotional intelligence skills, including self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. Understanding and managing their own emotions while being attuned to others’ emotions helps individuals navigate challenges with greater empathy and support.

Want to make an impact in your team right now? 

Assess how well your organization integrates psychological safety with your workforce. Consider implementing programs that educate employees on enhancing their roles through emotional intelligence and support systems. 

Moving away from the outdated mantra of "leaving your personal life at the door" to embracing psychological safety and authenticity brings numerous benefits. By valuing the holistic well-being of employees, organizations can enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and innovation. Leaders like Lee, who acknowledge and address their personal challenges transparently, foster an environment where psychological safety thrives, leading to stronger team dynamics and improved overall performance.

Be the ripple - Create Waves of Change 

🌊Jade