Too personal? How you can support colleagues during emotional crises and why private matters should also have a place in your job.
The working day on Monday morning doesn’t start off too well: a colleague sits in his seat with tears in his eyes. His mother had just received a life-changing diagnosis. Not an easy situation – even for his colleagues, who don’t know how they can help.
It’s exactly for situations like this Mental and Social Health Society “pro mente Austria” launched the so-called “First Aid for the Soul”. You learn in workshops mental health to deal with. This is urgently needed in the world of work, says Christine Reinhardthead of the “self-help” department per month Vienna.
(Not) a conversation
If you see that an employee is not doing well, you want to avoid an unpleasant situation. I don’t want to be intrusive, I don’t want to say anything wrong. “Many people are afraid when someone cries. “The easiest thing would be to simply address the employee directly about his emotional state,” says the expert. Those affected would usually be grateful for this openness. Especially if it doesn’t happen while you’re walking past College actually takes time and puts it into perspective. “It feels good to be seen and know that someone cares.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”, “I’m happy to listen” or “I’m happy to be there for you” are good starter sentences.
Isn’t that too personal? “No,” Reinhardt is certain. “I don’t see it that way. You never know how the other person will react or whether you accidentally offend someone. But in my experience, it is received positively.” You can never completely keep your personal life out of your professional environment anyway.
“If the family is not doing well or something bad has happened, you will see it on the person. Unless she puts on a mask.” Which can happen, of course, as Reinhardt admits. “It’s not easy for many people to confide in someone. But in the long run, this complete separation of work and Private life sick.” And in the worst case scenario, it can lead to one Anxiety or panic attack lead.
How to deal with it? “Be there in peace,” is the simple answer. “You have to react with calm and understanding. But also remain determined,” says Christine Reinhardt. Means: Ask specifically what the person needs. Like a glass of water or fresh air. “It often helps to breathe together or to consciously distract the person.” You can ask how many pink objects are in the room. Such exercises help you get out of your head and back into the here and now, she says.
Healthy at work
No matter how unpleasant or frightening: “Mental health must be discussed in a professional context,” says Reinhardt. Because it affects everyone. According to a survey commissioned by the Wiener Städtische 81 percent of the population regularly worries. “The primary trigger is your own health or that of family members,” said the Deputy Director General Sonja Brandtmayer to the study. “There is also the financial situation and fears for the future. Concerns have increased, especially among 16 to 35 year olds,” it continues. One reason why this generation is committed to dealing openly with the topic.
Christine Reinhardt: “Only if you have mental health workplace If you take it seriously, you will help reduce exhaustion, prevent more sick days and make employees more motivated to go to work.”