If you are concerned about the mental health or wellbeing of a team member, talking to them is an important first step. Having a wellbeing conversation can help you better understand how to support the team member. It is always better to intervene early rather than delay. Showing someone you care and linking them to supports is invaluable.
Initiating a wellbeing conversation may seem daunting at first. We recommend The Four Step Model as a useful way to structure the conversation.
The Four Step Model:
The four-step model requires you to Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check In
Step 1: Ask.
Share your concerns with the person, offer to talk and help if you can. Let them know you’re asking because you’re concerned. If they decide they don’t want to talk to you, respect their decision. If you’re still concerned, check in later.
Helpful Conversation Tips:
- “I’ve noticed that you’re not quite yourself lately. How are you travelling?”
- “You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?”
Step 2: Listen.
Be in a receiving mode. Listen without judgment; acknowledge their struggles or challenges and take them seriously.
Don’t interrupt them or rush the conversation. Ask open ended questions. Encourage the person to elaborate. Don’t be put off if they express, anger, frustration or cry. Try and remain calm and receive the information.
In this interchange try to quiet your self-talk and just receive rather than critically assess what they are saying, it is their experience and you need to accept their perceptions.
Helpful Conversation Tips:
- “You are saying you are struggling with…”
- “Are there other things troubling you?”
Step 3: Encourage Action.
Explore the person’s needs and discuss options for the necessary support or action required. Ask what might be helpful to them. You don’t need to have all the answers or an immediate solution; explore what is practical and achievable to help them manage their challenges and improve their wellbeing.
Helpful Conversation Tips:
- “Where do you think we can go from here? What would be a good first step we can take?”
- “What do you need to help you with this situation? How can I help?”
- “Do you have friends or family supporting you? Or maybe a GP or EAP?”
- “Do you need to deal with this alone? Could others support you? Would it be helpful to consider…? How would it help if we…?”
Step 4: Check In.
Make sure you follow up. Check in on how they’re going after a few days. Check in on the progress made with the agreed actions and problem solve any obstacles. Ask them if they’ve found some supports. If they haven’t done anything, don’t be frustrated. Keep encouraging them. Remember, it can take time for someone to be ready to link into support. Keep reinforcing the benefits of linking into support.
Helpful Conversation Tips:
- “How have you been going since we last spoke?”
- “Has anything been helpful from what we discussed?”
- “Do you think it would be useful if we looked into finding some support?”
- “I understand it can be hard to take the first step to getting help. I am here if you would like any assistance with linking into support.”
Remember
Allow the person the time they need to get everything “off their chest”. People need to feel calm, heard and understood before they can act.
Let them know their feelings are normal and understandable given the situation. This shows that you are empathising with their situation and will help the person engage in the discussion.
Look after yourself. It is important to take the time to check in on your own feelings and make sure you’re ok. Seek support from your support network or EAP if needed.
Escalate when required.
Useful Resources
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
Lifeline
13 11 14
