Respect for an employee - Basis of all wellbeing

“If you do not treat people with the respect they deserve, do not expect any kind of commitment to your productivity, goals and target.”

– Ian Fuhr, founder and CEO of the Sorbet Group

Sometimes I wonder whether workplaces really mean it when designing well-being strategies, when the slightest slip on the part of an employee leads to a soul-crushing talking down from a leader. The test of all well-being strategies comes not when things are going right, but when things go awry. That is when the true compassion and leadership of a team leader come to the test. The choice is stark at that point for a leader, task or people? Or is there a wiser choice available while not attacking the dignity of an individual.

Are leaders even aware they have a choice?

With growing attrition, it is important to think about the experiences we are creating for our people. Not just in terms of policies and strategies, but also in terms of the moments we create for an individual. The slightest body language, the verbal microaggressions, that sarcastic comment - all of them count.?

The workplace is where we spend 80% of our time and undoubtedly, having a fulfilling job and enjoying the job at the workplace is one of the greatest treasures. A toxic workplace can be corrosive to our mental health. There is strong evidence that workplaces with high levels of respect for individuals are more productive and show better success.?

Every individual today has been through a challenging time, what with the nature of work and proximity of colleagues in a flux. The respect and consideration for each of our contexts is the basic courtesy we can extend. All mental wellness stems from that. The new era of workplaces is about creating environments where employees can thrive in their careers and general well-being - with a sense of respect and belonging. The moment one individual loses sight of this - all strategies become lip service for that employee.

We all have times when life gets on top of us for various reasons, but how we respond to it and cope with it defines our mettle as a leader. To get to this state of putting others’ well-being as a priority is a test of courage.?

The ask is simple - extend respect no matter how difficult the situation. No task is above someone’s mental well-being. Every individual deserves basic courtesy.?

IT STARTS WITH YOU. As leaders become more aware and role model respectful behaviors, call out aggressions and voice them, they eventually shape a better workplace. Mental wellbeing doesn't exist in PowerPoint presentations and mere policies - it’s an everyday challenge and it fluctuates each day.?

Help individuals navigate the daily stresses that already exist by being respectful. If you as a leader find you need help with managing your own challenges, reach out.?

Some days are heavy while some are life, depending on the severity of it, one needs to treat it with inner work or with a therapist. Being aware is the first step so that you don't color your interactions with your distress.?

Watch out for your symptoms & signs:

• You are more tired and drained than usual
• Low on motivation or too high on motivation
• Your deadlines are slipping every now and then?
• You are reacting to every situation
• You find yourself losing temper over small things?

There are risk factors and situations that might be the cause of your mental health. Few of the workplace risks include:

• Poor communication and management skills?
• Limited participation in decision making
• Low levels of support for employees
• Unclear task or organizational objectives?
• Inflexible working hours

You can be proactive in ensuring mental well-being for yourself and others. Create a culture of safety where your team members feel confident to seek help from you. Your people are your core assets and they thrive when they are in a compassionate employee-management relationship.?

You know you are working in a safe environment when?

• You are able to cope up and manage your own mental health at work
• You are able to reach out to colleagues in distress
• You are able to work with others with compassion and empathy.?
• You are able to lead your journey with a sense of purpose and direction?

Let us all strive to have a healthy and respectful workplace environment and work to our best potential - with our dignity intact.