Embracing Good Management for Better Mental Health
In today’s world, mental wellbeing has become a pressing concern. The 2023/2024 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme says, “People’s mental wellbeing has been worsening. In the last 10 years, the number of people feeling stress, sadness, anxiety, anger, or worry has been rising, reaching its highest levels since the Gallup surveys began.” This means more people are feeling bad than ever before.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Our world is becoming unhinged.” Even though it sounds scary, we are also living in one of the best times in history. Harvard professor Steven Pinker says, “Human progress is an observable fact.” So, it’s strange that while life gets better in many ways, people’s mental health gets worse.
Stress at work is a big part of this problem. Georgetown University professor Christine Porath says stress is making people act rudely at work more often. Since we spend a lot of our time at work, this is a huge problem.
As leaders in the funeral service and deathcare profession, we must understand how good management can improve mental health. By being supportive and caring, we can help our teams feel better.
In deathcare, we face unique challenges. Our work involves dealing with grief and loss every day. This can take a toll on our mental health. Good management is crucial to help our teams cope with these challenges.
Here are some ways good management can improve mental health in deathcare:
- Open Communication: Encourage team members to share their feelings and concerns. Create a safe space where they can talk about their stress and grief without fear of judgment.
- Provide Support: Offer resources like counseling services and stress management workshops. Make sure your team knows that it’s okay to seek help.
- Foster Team Spirit: Build a supportive and inclusive team culture. Celebrate successes together and support each other through tough times.
- Flexible Scheduling: Allow for flexible work hours when possible. This can help team members balance their work with their personal lives, reducing stress.
By implementing these practices, we can create a healthier and more supportive work environment. Good management is not just about achieving business goals; it’s about caring for our people. When our teams feel supported and valued, they can provide the best care for the families we serve.
