Do you find it hard to squeeze in some me-time around the hustle and bustle of the holidays? While pedicures and spa days are amazing ways to treat yourself to a little R&R, self-care goes way beyond traditional pampering. When done well, it becomes contagious!
As fearless leaders, entrepreneurs, and people managers, it’s your responsibility to make self-care a priority not just for yourself but for your teams, too. They need to know that their well-being comes FIRST. After all, we’re only as good as our employees!
Spoiler alert: nobody wants to be attached at the hip to a laptop while on their vacay or during a holiday dinner! Instead of encouraging them to answer emails at all hours and always be at max productivity, there’s a better, more effective way to help your team avoid burnout. Prioritize mental health as a leader, and your team will do the same. Here are a few easy ways to set the right example:
- Encourage your team to take time off, especially mental health days. Don’t forget to lead by example and take time off for yourself, too!
- Create an open dialogue about mental health and wellbeing in team meetings. Check-in regularly with your direct reports to develop an open and honest dialogue about how they’re actually doing.
- If you are in a corporate role, coordinate with your HR department to provide resources for employees who may be struggling. Whether it’s easier access to therapy or continuing education opportunities, enriching their lives outside of work helps improve their overall wellness.
- Don’t encourage responses after hours. Set clear boundaries with your team about when they are expected to be online, so it’s easier for them to unplug.
Need help on how to move the needle on employee well-being for your org? Schedule a Swagger School consult for some innovative ideas! We’ll identify actionable next steps for you to shift the narrative and put your people first.
