Imagine you're a company CEO... One day, one of your employees breaks down in tears in your office. They say they can't take it anymore and feel like they're about to lose their mind. What do you do?
CEOs are experienced business leaders, and many forward thinking businesses have set agendas and criteria for positive workplace wellbeing, but CEOs may not be experts in wellbeing themselves. Although it is increasingly recognised that a CEO's role includes creating a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing - what does this mean in practice and how easy is it to implement?
CEOs are responsible for setting the tone, values, and culture within an organisation, and their actions can significantly impact the well-being of their employees. But there is no formal wellbeing requirement for CEOs
So, as a CEO, you may not know where to start when faced with the situation of an employee in distress. But this is where workplace coaches come in. Coaches can help employees deal with a range of issues, from burnout to depression to anxiety. So, what role do coaches play in workplace wellbeing and why are more and more businesses are turning to them for help?
What Is Workplace Wellbeing?
Workplace wellbeing is a term that is used to describe the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of employees in the workplace. It is the responsibility of both the employer and the employees to maintain a healthy workplace.
Coaches play a key role in workplace wellbeing by providing employees with the tools they need to maintain their physical, mental and emotional health. Coaches can help employees set and achieve goals, manage stress, and stay motivated. And they can help employees deal with difficult emotions and difficult conversations.
The Role of Coaches in Workplace Wellbeing
Coaches can play a vital role in the wellbeing of employees. They can provide support to employees who are struggling, help them set and achieve goals, and provide a listening ear.
Many coaches are already involved in workplace wellbeing initiatives. They can offer their services in-house, or they can be brought in as consultants. Coaches can also work with managers and HR teams to create a workplace culture that is conducive to mental health.
The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it's often overlooked in the workplace. That's where coaches can come in and play a key role. Coaches can help employees by recognising the signs of mental health issues and providing support. They can also offer strategies for dealing with stress and improving work/life balance. And by promoting a healthy mind and body, coaches can help create a more positive work environment for everyone.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, don't hesitate to reach out to your coach. They're there to help, and they want you to succeed – both mentally and physically.
Strategies for Promoting Coaches in Workplace Wellbeing
There are a few different ways you can get coaches involved in workplace wellbeing:
- Make it part of the onboarding process: When new employees start at a company, they should meet with a coach to discuss expectations, company culture, and how to be successful in their role.
- Encourage employees to use coaches as a resource: Employees should also be encouraged to use coaches as a resource for advice and guidance, whether they're struggling with a specific issue or just need someone to talk to.
- Provide mandatory coaching: In some cases, it may make sense to make coaching mandatory for all employees. This could be especially beneficial if the company is going through a major change or transition, or if a high number of employees are experiencing workplace stress.
No matter what strategy you use, the important thing is that you make it clear to employees that coaches are there to help them succeed, both professionally and personally.
Benefits of Coaches for Employees' Mental Health
As someone who is thinking about coaching in the workplace, you might be wondering what the benefits are for your employees' mental health. And I'm here to tell you that there are plenty.
First of all, coaching can help employees to become more self-aware. When we're self-aware, we're better able to manage our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. And this leads to improved communication, both with ourselves and with others.
Coaching can also help employees to build resilience: Life presents us with constant challenges. And when we're able to bounce back from these challenges, we're more likely to achieve our goals.
Finally, coaching can help employees to manage their stress levels. When we're stressed, we tend to make impulsive decisions and react emotionally instead of thinking logically. But when we have someone to talk to who can help us to see things from a different perspective, we're better able to manage our stress levels and make more rational decisions.
Challenges Faced When Implementing Coaching Strategies
One of the challenges you might face when implementing coaching strategies is the issue of trust. In order for coaching to be effective, employees need to feel like they can trust their coach. This can be difficult to establish, especially if you're bringing in an outside coach who doesn't have any prior relationship with the employees.
Another challenge is that coaching requires a time commitment from both the coach and the employees. And in today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find the time to invest in coaching sessions.
Finally, there's the cost factor. Coaching can be expensive, especially if you're bringing in an outside coach. And while some companies are willing to invest in coaching, others might not see the value and be reluctant to budget for it.
CEOs can play a crucial role in fostering a work environment that promotes employee wellbeing by implementing policies and practices that prioritise work-life balance, providing resources for mental health support, encouraging open communication, and leading by example through their own behaviors and attitudes.
While CEOs may not be experts in the technical aspects of well-being, they should be aware of its importance and collaborate with HR professionals, wellness experts, and relevant stakeholders to develop strategies and initiatives that support the well-being of their employees. Ultimately, creating a healthy and supportive work environment is a shared responsibility that requires a collaborative effort from all levels of the organisation.
If coaches are given the proper training, they can be valuable members of a workplace mental health team. Coaches are often in a position to notice when an employee is struggling, and they can provide support that may be vital to the individual's wellbeing.