World Metal Health Day took place earlier this month, themed around workplace mental health. Mindbeat’s partnerships director, Val Kessell, looks at the role of group coaching in fostering a supportive and empathetic work environment.
In recent years, mental health has emerged as a central focus in workplace wellness. Poor mental health can affect productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. So, fostering a culture that prioritises mental health is not just beneficial for employees, but for an organisation as a whole.
Group coaching, in particular, is an effective tool to help both leaders and employees cultivate a supportive and empathetic work environment. According to the International Coaching Federation, group programmes can transform team dynamics, drive a positive workplace culture, and provide an ROI (return on investment) of up to seven times the cost.
Understanding workplace mental health
Workplace mental health encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of employees. It influences how individuals think, feel, and behave. When employees experience good mental health, they are more likely to handle work stress effectively, maintain positive relationships with colleagues, and contribute productively. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and absenteeism.
The modern workplace is fast-paced, competitive, and often stressful. This makes it crucial to create environments where mental health is openly discussed and actively supported. Yet, many employees, particularly target-orientated employees, may feel uncomfortable speaking about their mental health concerns due to a fear of being judged.
Group coaching provides a structured environment where employees and leaders can come together to build supportive relationships, improve communication skills, and address mental health concerns collaboratively.
Unlike one-on-one coaching, group coaching involves small groups of individuals working through common challenges together. It encourages open dialogue, trust, and shared problem-solving, which are all vital components of a positive workplace culture.
Effective and empathetic communication
One of the primary benefits of group coaching is its focus on communication, both from leaders and between colleagues. Communication in the workplace is often task-oriented, leaving little room for emotional and empathetic interactions. Group online coaching sessions, however, emphasise the importance of both effective and empathetic communication, which is crucial for addressing mental health.
Leaders and employees alike are taught to listen actively, express understanding, and communicate in ways that promote emotional safety. For instance, instead of reacting to stress or conflict with frustration or impatience, leaders can learn to approach situations with empathy, asking open-ended questions and offering support where needed.
Empathetic communication encourages employees to voice their concerns without fear of judgment, helping to create an environment where mental health challenges can be addressed before they escalate. It also fosters mutual respect and understanding, both of which are key to building trust within teams.
Spotting signs of mental health issues
A crucial aspect of mental health awareness is learning how to recognise when a colleague may be struggling. Digital coaching can provide leaders and employees with the tools to spot early signs of mental health issues in themselves and others.
Some common signs include:
- Withdrawal from colleagues or a noticeable decrease in social interaction.
- Changes in work performance, such as a drop in productivity, missed deadlines, or increased absenteeism.
- Emotional changes, such as irritability, mood swings, or uncharacteristic behaviour.
- Physical symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, or frequent illness, may indicate stress or burnout.
Group coaching often focuses on raising awareness of these signs and discussing strategies for supporting a colleague in a non-invasive, respectful manner.
Leaders are trained to approach the individual privately, offering help rather than making assumptions. Creating an open culture where employees know they are supported is crucial in managing workplace mental health effectively.
The benefits of group coaching for leaders
Leaders play a critical role in setting the tone for workplace culture. Through coaching, they can develop the emotional intelligence necessary to manage their teams more effectively.
Group coaching helps leaders:
- Improve emotional regulation: Leaders learn how to manage their own emotions in stressful situations, preventing reactive behaviour that can negatively impact team morale.
- Develop active listening skills: By learning how to truly listen to employees’ concerns, leaders can address issues before they become larger problems.
- Foster inclusivity and trust: Leaders who are empathetic and supportive create an environment where employees feel valued and respected. This inclusivity strengthens team cohesion and fosters open communication.
Group coaching also encourages leaders to model vulnerability and self-care, which normalises the idea that everyone, including those in leadership roles, can experience mental health challenges. This can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage employees to seek help when needed.
Creating a positive and safe workplace culture
Group coaching fosters a workplace culture where mental health is valued and protected. This culture encourages open communication, reduces the stigma surrounding mental health, and provides employees with the tools they need to thrive.
When both leaders and employees are equipped with the skills to communicate empathetically and address mental health proactively, it creates a workplace that feels safe, supportive, and conducive to both personal and professional growth.