3 Steps to Support Your Team
Recognize
When should you be concerned?
If there is a change in behaviour that isn’t short lived.
E.g. team member becomes withdrawn, irritable, upset easily, displays erratic behaviour, less inclined to engage co-workers, increased absenteeism
Respond
Remember your job as a leader is not to diagnose or judge, but to simply let your team member know you’ve noticed there may be something wrong and that you care.
How to Have A One-on-One Conversation
Listen non-judgmentally and demonstrate compassion and empathy.
Keep the focus of the discussion on the person’s wellbeing and not their performance.
Make it clear that they don’t have to share if they don’t want to.
Some suggestions on ways to start a conversation:
State changes you’ve observed in a positive way e.g. “I’ve noticed that you’re not your cheery self…”, “I want to let you know that I’ve noticed this, and I’m concerned..”
What’s your weather pattern today? Is it stormy, clear, or cloudy with peeks of sunlight?
“Before we jump in and start discussing work, I want to take some time to talk about how things are going for you generally, is that ok?”
Creating A Culture of Connection of Psychological Safety
Have buy-in from top level management.
Introduce mental health awareness at all levels.
Normalize and have open conversations about mental health.
Model by being vulnerable and discussing your own challenges and experiences.
Allow your team to take Mental Health Days. Schedule these for yourself as a leader and make them visible on a shared calendar.
Have regular one-on-one “check-ins” with your team.
Guide
Ask your team member what support they feel they might need, and help them explore what options are available.
Discuss what adjustments could be made at work to support. For example, a temporary reduction in workload, time off for medical appointments, flexibility to work from home.
Make sure you are aware of what resources are available through your company and in your community.
Resources Available
Find local resources and support in your region. Crisis Services Canada
Find Counselling, Therapists, and Psychologists in your area
Canada-Wide Suicide Prevention Crisis Line:
Call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET).
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. Available 24 hours a day to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from professional counsellors.
Hope for Wellness Help Line: Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat. Available to all Indigenous peoples across Canada who need immediate crisis intervention. Experienced and culturally sensitive helpline counsellors can help if you want to talk or are distressed.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-2738255 or Text 838255 (24/7). Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department o f Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
Canada Drug Rehab - Addiction Services Helpline: Call (604)-265-8046
Additional Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca/
Bell Let’s Talk: https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/get-help/
Centre for Suicide Prevention: https://www.suicideinfo.ca/
National Eating Disorder Information Centre: https://nedic.ca/
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