More employers are recognising the need for workplace based support for employees.
Being given space to be heard and understood is so valuable to helping people continue to give their best in the workplace.
I have been supporting employees both through group work and individual support. It is always such a privilege to hear people share their burdens and concerns. I work through these together with the person or group to create an outcome that improves the situation.
Sometimes employees can feel like they are trying so hard to make things work, yet not seeing a result from all of their efforts.
One thing that has struck me during my time of providing workplace support is many employees I have spoken to are in a supporting role. This can give them a sense of not being good enough and that they should be able to cope with what is entrusted to them.
Yet the reality is that carrying other people’s worries and concerns is difficult. It takes a lot of emotional energy to support others as well as supporting yourself. When people see you as a kind, empathetic person you are also more likely to get others sharing their worries with you.
This can create a caring burden or emotional burnout which is usually a sign of having been too strong for too long, not a sign of weakness.
“Sometimes the listeners need a listener too”
Everyone needs a space to be heard, especially when dealing with challenging or emotional content.
Having regular times for employees in caring roles to offload and share openly is an important part of looking after the overall wellbeing of staff.
As Occupational Therapists, we can facilitate this to help your staff to have a listening ear and be able to continue their amazing work.
