How Servant Leaders Can Support Staff Mental Health

Staff mental health is not exactly something you will hear being discussed in the office. In fact, a lot of workers rarely talk about their mental health concerns at work.

But who can blame them? I mean, when was the last time you spoke about your own mental health at work? Some people are scared of being judged or associated with a certain stereotype if they speak up.

Others just have no trust in the people around them, and as we all know, you don’t break walls for people you don’t trust. Workers may also refuse to speak up because they know they won’t get the help they need

Ask yourself if your company has supportive resources for mental health. If not, it could be why people don’t talk about it; they know they won’t get any help.

That, and the fact that the company culture is not exactly welcoming to people speaking about mental health and how the job plays a role in the struggle.

But that’s not the kind of culture servant leaders should promote. If your values truly lie in helping the people around you as you lead, then you should be concerned with staff mental health.

Staff Mental Health Can Make Or Break Your Team

Why should you care about your people’s mental health? I mean, for the longest time, this has not been something that people prioritize in the office. Then, one day, companies started seeing their workers as well…people.

People with mental health needs.

And their mental health explained a lot about how the company would do. So, if you are still wondering if it’s important to care about staff mental health, here’s something compelling to convince you:

Mentally healthy employees are more focused, engaged, and productive.

Mental health directly impacts a person’s ability to concentrate, solve problems, and make decisions. When you are stressed or anxious, it’s hard to focus on anything other than the fact that you are stressed and anxious!

Employees who feel supported and mentally well are more likely to bring their best selves to work. They have the capacity to actually focus on work. Often, it leads to higher output and better performance. Servant leaders who prioritize staff mental health create an environment where employees can thrive.

Mental health issues can lead to increased issues.

Absenteeism is common since employees may need time off to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. Understandably, everyone needs a mental health day. But when it becomes overwhelming, your team members may need a week or two.

When a servant leader supports or advocates for staff mental health, it helps reduce the likelihood of these issues escalating, thereby decreasing the number of sick days taken.

Employees are more likely to attend work regularly when they feel their mental health is valued and supported.

Mental health support means more people stay on the job.

Ever heard the quote that people don’t quit jobs; they quit managers? Obviously, it applies to bad managers, but you may not realize that it applies to leaders who don’t support them.

High levels of stress or a lack of staff mental health support can lead to burnout, causing employees to leave in search of a healthier work environment. I mean, would you stay in a stressful situation when you know there’s somewhere that will offer better conditions? 

Employees who feel that their manager supports their mental health are more likely to stay with the company long-term. Servant leaders can reduce turnover rates by prioritizing mental health and retaining experienced, skilled workers.

5 Ways Servant Leaders Can Support Staff Mental Health

As a servant leader, supporting your people’s mental health can be challenging. If they are not forthcoming about the topic, it can be difficult to learn who is struggling and needs help.

But you can’t talk to every employee about their mental health every time you see a frowny face. It will be time-consuming, and you may weird out your team. 

Luckily, your position gives you power and influence. You can guide your people into taking care of their mental health. In addition, you can show support for staff mental health through thoughtful policies and other actions.

Here are some ways for your servant leadership to make an impact on staff mental health:

Listen Actively

Anything involving servant leadership will always encourage leadership through listening. And I love that! Leaders tend to be dismissive of what their people need. It can be easy to brush off those you’re leading when you have a lot on your plate.

But in doing so, you will miss the fact that your team is struggling under the tough working hours you set up for that new project. Active listening is one of the skills a servant leader can use to support staff mental health.

Pay full attention to what your people say without interrupting or judging them. This shows that you value and respect your team’s feelings and opinions, and employees will feel safe and comfortable sharing their concerns.

Encourage Self-Care

Servant leaders can play a crucial role in promoting self-care among employees, which is vital for maintaining good mental health. Self-care includes activities like taking breaks, exercising, and spending time with loved ones.

Remember that thing I said about you having influence? You can use it to set a good example—such as taking time off and not overworking—and by supporting flexible work schedules.

When leaders prioritize self-care, it sends a message that employees’ well-being is important, helping to prevent burnout and improve overall staff mental health.

Provide Feedback and Coaching

We always assume that no news is good news—until your boss reaches out and tells you that you’ve been disappointing them somehow. Then you realize all that silence was building up to this.

Don’t be this kind of leader. Regular communication is needed to alleviate any feelings of anxiety or stress that your team members may have. So, providing constructive feedback and coaching is another way servant leaders can support staff mental health.

Regular, positive feedback helps employees feel valued and confident in their roles. When you offer guidance and support, it helps employees improve their skills and grow professionally. It, in turn, boosts their morale and reduces anxiety or uncertainty.

Give Access to Professional Help When Needed

I’ve come across a lot of companies that have an in-house therapist. Others provide access to mental health professionals as part of a benefits package. I think a lot of companies realized just how important mental health can be after the COVID pandemic.

And it has made them more conscious of the need to give employees this kind of support. Sometimes, employees may face mental health challenges that require professional help. Servant leaders should be aware of the signs of mental health issues and be prepared to guide employees to the appropriate resources.

It might include giving access to therapy or counseling services. By acknowledging the need for professional support and encouraging employees to seek help, you show that you care about their team’s well-being. 

Promote Work-Life Balance

And finally, servant leaders can support staff mental health by promoting a healthy work-life balance. It involves encouraging employees to set clear boundaries between work and personal life, making sure they take regular breaks, and discouraging overtime when it’s not necessary.

Leaders can model this behavior by maintaining their own work-life balance and respecting employees’ time outside of work. By prioritizing balance, leaders help prevent burnout, reduce stress, and create a more sustainable work environment.

Lead with Heart and Mind

Supporting staff mental health isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s necessary for the success and longevity of your team. As a servant leader, you have the unique opportunity to create an environment where mental well-being is a priority, and your team feels valued, understood, and supported.

By following these tips, you’re not just boosting productivity—you’re building a workplace where people thrive. So, take the time to invest in staff mental well-being. It’s a win-win for everyone!