By Simone Lockhart

It’s such a simple question, however, it’s arguably one of the most important questions right now.

With wellbeing and mental health rising on our people agendas, it’s vitally important we recognise that this is not an isolated HR tick box exercise but is a culture gear change to be owned and implemented across all business functions – and at the most senior level.

A recent report by the Scottish Association for Mental Health shows that 59 per cent of Scotland’s working population have found work more stressful since the start of the pandemic, with 51% believing their employer could do more to support mental health issues in the workplace.

The impact of these statistics must not be ignored. The ongoing challenges of Covid-19 on our people can have serious personal and commercial ramifications. Stuck in this quagmire of the “new normal” (extended restrictions, ongoing working from home, the end of furlough looming and rising infection rates), nothing suggests these feelings are going away any time soon.

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But, are we brave enough – and equipped – to open these conversations? And do our people feel they work in an environment where they can genuinely be open and honest without fear of being judged?

Our businesses need to be championing wellbeing and good mental health as a priority. We can offer self-care resources, make sure people have the right physical environment to work effectively, run workshops and create support groups, but the most important thing we can do is connect with our people at a personal level. This means honest one-to-one interaction.

Rain check the normal ‘check-ins’ and arrange a virtual tea break, lunch or even a socially distanced walk with coffee. This informality will create an environment that will allow people to open up about their worries, allowing us to see where we can best support. We won’t have all the answers but we can demonstrate empathy, understanding and a sense of care.

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With larger businesses it’s important to ensure our managers feel confident having these conversations. Equip them with the skills to strike the balance of managing performance and business needs along with the challenges of the situation and individual circumstances. Let them know it’s OK to empathise and share their own challenges – where they are comfortable to do so.

Stress and anxiety can often stem from the fear of the unknown, so now more than ever we must communicate with honesty and authenticity. Our people will appreciate our openness and trust that we’re working hard to support them, and our businesses, to come out healthy and happy the other side of this crisis.

Simone Lockhart is group commercial director of the Taranata Group.