Five ways better listening supports mental health in the workplace

Working from home today? Are your hours flexible? Are most of your meetings on-line and even lunches or catch-ups remote? Post-covid ways of working have made the mental health of our colleagues potentially harder to observe and understand. And, in some instances, working from home may hide mental health problems. But the fact remains; we all have a role in creating a supportive workplace. At Peregrine, the consultants we place in organisations across the UK have access to mental health support from my team – and this increases their personal awareness, improves overall wellbeing, and ensures they're able to maximise their contribution to the workplace.

One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the ability to listen effectively. By focusing on our listening skills, we can understand and support our team members' mental health needs. Here are five tips I've learned to improve listening skills and foster mental health awareness at work.

1. Active listening

Active listening isn't hearing and processing words; it involves engaging with the speaker and demonstrating that you're present in the conversation. How to be an active listener:

• Maintain eye contact and open body language.
• Don't be tempted to interrupt or finish sentences.
• Provide verbal and non-verbal cues that you're engaged (nodding, saying "mm-hmm")
• Summarize and reflect what you've heard to reinforce understanding.

Active listening creates a positive setting where people can express their thoughts and feelings, which is crucial for addressing mental health concerns.

2. Cultivate empathy and suspend judgement

When discussing sensitive topics like mental health, it's essential to approach conversations with empathy and without judgment. Keep in mind your opinion may be revealed by your face and gestures, not just your words. Avoid raising your eyebrows, pursing your mouth, and closing your eyes. Instead try:

• Putting yourself in the speaker's shoes
• Acknowledging emotions without trying to fix them
• Avoiding dismissive phrases like "It's not that bad", “at least...” or "Just cheer up"
• Recognising that everyone's experience is different and valid.

By cultivating empathy, you can help build an environment where people can discuss their mental health challenges without fear of stigma or wider repercussions.

3. Ask open questions

To gain a deeper understanding of someone's situation, use open-ended questions that encourage elaboration and detail. For example:

• "How has this affecting your work?"
• "What support do you feel you need right now?"
• "Can you tell me more about what you're experiencing?"

These questions and others like them demonstrate genuine interest and allow someone to share their thoughts and feelings more fully. This approach can uncover important information that might not surface with simple yes/no questions.

4. Pay undivided attention

In our hyper-connected world, distractions feel like the norm. ?There are always emails, notifications, and worries about the next item on your to-do list. However, in conversations about deeply personal concerns like someone's mental health, it important to focus.

• Set aside dedicated time for conversations.
• Turn off notifications on your devices.
• Find a private, comfortable space for discussions.

By providing undivided attention, you signal to the employee that their wellbeing is a top priority, which affects their willingness to open up and seek support.

5. Follow up and take Action

Effective listening doesn't end when the conversation is over. It's important to follow up and take concrete actions based on what you've heard. This might include:

• Setting up regular check-ins with the employee
• Connecting them with the resources your organisation offers
• Adjusting workloads or making accommodations
• Reviewing workplace policies and looking for potential improvements.

By following up, you demonstrate that you've truly heard their concerns and are committed to supporting their mental health.

Building a healthy work environment is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and commitment. By prioritising listening skills, we can foster a culture of openness, understanding, and support that benefits individuals and the organisation as a whole.

If you'd like to discuss the importance of mental health in the workplace, or find out how we support our consultants, get in touch with me.