How to Encourage Conversations about
Mental Health in the Workplace

Positive wellbeing plays a pivotal role in your ability to thrive at work and there’s lots of evidence to show that mentally healthy employees are more engaged and generally more productive. This is especially true in the modern workplace.

One way of creating trusting, caring environments is through open conversations around mental health. These are really important, particularly if people are struggling with personal or professional worries. Honest communication breaks down the stigma around mental health and encourages people to speak freely about the things that are bothering them. If someone knows that they’ll receive support, they’re much less likely to bottle things up.

There’s no secret formula for having these open conversations – and not everyone is going to want to engage – but listening and showing empathy are definitely key. By being understanding, tactful and gentle, there’s a better chance that someone will want to talk. Here are some tips to get you started:

Get comfortable

If somebody wants to chat, it’s always good to make sure that you’re in safe, comfortable and confidential surroundings before starting a discussion about their mental health. You should put away your devices and free up the time needed to hear your friend or colleague out.

Ask open questions

Always try to use open questions when having these conversations. Open questions usually start with words and phrases like “Who”, “What”, “How”, “Tell me more about…”, “When”. These should allow for fuller answers because they create space for people to explore their feelings.

Active listening

This is crucial. Think about how distracting it can be if you’re talking to someone and they’re not focused on what you’re saying. The goal of active listening is to make the speaker understand that you see, hear and understand them. Active listening is all about reflecting on and summarising what you’ve heard (“It sounds like you’re saying…” or “it seems like you’ve been having a tough time.”), maintaining eye contact and using positive body language.

Nobody expects you to have all the answers but not knowing those answers doesn’t mean you’re not helping.

Don’t judge

It’s really important not to allow your own opinions to cloud or steer the conversation. Giving your friend or colleague a safe space in which to express themselves is the priority.

Show that you care

Asking questions and listening without judgement is a very supportive thing to do. When you think about it, the opportunity to talk freely and be heard is actually quite rare. When a person feels cared about, they feel safe, rather than anxious and overwhelmed.

This article is part of a series on employee wellbeing in the workplace, in partnership with Lena by Inspire.