4 in 10 leaders are not prepared to deal with situations involving mental health
The expert warns of the gap between discourse and practice within organizations
On the occasion of International Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10, a study by Zenklub, a Conexa company – a digital ecosystem for physical and mental health – reveals that 4 in 10 leaders are not prepared to address psychosocial risks. Additionally, 1 in 3 companies still don’t have an anti-harassment policy. The survey of nearly 800 companies also shows that 43% of leaders do not receive training to identify signs of emotional distress. And 40% of companies do not offer ongoing training in people management or empathetic communication. As a result, 29.1% of managers have difficulty encouraging cooperation between teams, damaging the organizational climate.
Lack of preparation when dealing with psychosocial risks
Psychologist and occupational mental health specialist Denise Milk says that although the topic has gained attention, people still treat it superficially. “Companies talk about mental health, but often in a specific way, on specific dates, without a constant assistance policy. The problem is that emotional suffering does not choose a moment. It appears when the environment becomes hostile, when there is no room for dialogue and when the employee hides what he feels to appear productive,” he explains.
He adds that leadership training is one of the most critical points. “An unprepared manager can aggravate the suffering of a team. It is he who sets the tone for coexistence, who creates the space of trust or fear. Therefore, training aware, empathetic and attentive leaders is the first step to preventing emotional illnesses”, says Denise.
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The expert also recommends practical actions to create a healthier working environment. “Encouraging active listening, creating safe spaces for employees to express feelings and ideas, investing in leadership training, valuing breaks and moments of rest, strengthening recognition and ongoing dialogue, and normalizing conversations about mental health are measures that make a difference in everyday life. Small changes can generate big results.”
According to Denise, safe, cooperative environments that pay attention to emotional health increase engagement, strengthen trust, and help create more motivated and productive teams.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
