INTHEBLACK Mental Health 2021 - Magazine - Page 7
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“For many of us, the commute, for instance,
was a time to listen to podcasts, reflect or
connect with people. For leaders, informal
time at the office was also a chance to get a
real sense of where their people were at, and
what they were needing. Now leaders need
to shift some of their management skills to
a more fluid working environment.”
SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Now is the time for those who oversee teams
to consider how they can connect with
employees and the part they play in inspiring
productivity, encouraging skill development
and giving positive feedback, says Bihary.
“Leaders need to provide scaffolding that
supports the working-from-home framework
that has, on the positive side, created incredible
opportunities, autonomy and agency.”
Blashki agrees: “In a mentally healthy
workplace, people need clear job descriptions,
manageable workloads and a culture that
recognises time off. It is in an employer’s
interest to set that up well, otherwise
burnout is a real risk.”
On the other side of the equation,
employees who are feeling stressed through
a lack of boundaries need to ask for guidance
about their working conditions and role.
They also need to assume responsibility
for taking charge of their own routine, says
Blashki, and that includes managing
colleagues’ expectations regarding
communication.
“If you answer your phone at all hours,
it will gradually become the norm.”
He suggests setting up signals and symbols
that we are in work mode – getting dressed
professionally for work, controlling who has
access to texting and phoning us and at what
time, and strictly defining when we are
working and not working.
A signal at the end of the day, such as
a walk or run, a meditation session, or even
a glass of wine, may be mentally healthy. It
can be anything that is meaningful to you that
allows your mind to switch off, the computer
to be shut down, and the door to your home
office closed.
Planning not just lunch breaks but social
get-togethers or holidays is also essential,
says Blashki – otherwise, work will expand
to fill the gaps. Eating at your desk is never
recommended; regular mini-breaks and
planned leisure time are important.
Bihary says surviving the new working normal
also requires developing some mindfulness
skills. Rather than multi-task, or ruminate about
the past or future, have your attention on what
is going on right now, she says.
“You need to learn to manage your mind
and train yourself to be where you are. That
skill is amplified now.”
intheblack.com October 2021 7