These days modern workplaces come with both high pressures and high demands resulting in many employees experiencing significant stress and the looming shadow of burnout. If left unchecked such pressures can exact a significant toll on mental and physical health and wreak havoc on many aspects of one’s professional and personal lives.
Despite their best efforts to mitigate such pressures on their own, for many there comes a time when seeking their employer's support is crucial. For most, just the thought of opening up an employer conversation is daunting and even frightening. Should you find yourself in this situation, this guide offers a considered path forward.
Start by getting support around you:
- Peer support: identify and engage trusted colleagues or mentors who understand your situation and can offer support. They might provide valuable advice or perhaps even accompany you during the conversation if appropriate.
- Resources: access mental health resources and specialists, often those offered by your company (through employee assistance programmes or private healthcare) might be a helpful starting point. External resources are available too.
- Self care: find time for practices that support your mental health such as regular exercise, meditation, and hobbies or creative interests..
- Strengthen social connections: set boundaries that allow you to spend more time with your close family and friends, as you feel comfortable opening up about what’s going on at work.
Be well prepared:
Before you engage with your employer it is vital to be well prepared and have a well thought through position:
- Familiarise yourself with your company’s mental health policies and resources. Understanding your rights can provide a helpful framework for your discussion, you may also discover resources that can help you prepare or support you as you engage.
- Capture key experiences and feelings. Identify specific work stressors that impact your mental health, whether they are tasks, deadlines, or interactions. Being clear about such experiences will help you better articulate your reasons for engaging and needs.
- Document instances of high stress or periods of overwhelm or near burnout. Having tangible examples will substantiate your position and ensure appropriate employer engagement.
- Think about solutions or accommodations. Be clear on what it is you need to see changed and share potential remedies (such as cool down periods, peak load sharing, role redesign , remote or flexible working), keep your focus on trying to find solutions that benefit both you and your employer.
- Prepare for potential outcomes: Consider different outcome scenarios and how you might respond. Being prepared can help reduce anxiety about possible negative outcomes.
- Practise your approach: Rehearse the meeting and how you will present your concerns and needs. Practising with a trusted friend or colleague will help you refine your message and boost your confidence.
Beginning the conversation
When you feel it is time is right to engage your employer:
- Choose the right time and place: request a private meeting and ensure it’s a time when neither you nor your employer is rushed or distracted.
- Be honest and direct: clearly express your workplace experiences (brought to life with examples) and how they affect your performance and mental health. Use “I” statements such as “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed, for these reasons (specify), and it’s impacting my ability to perform at my best and my mental health.” Remember it’s essential to approach these disclosures carefully, slowly and systematically.
- Collaborative problem solving: Frame the conversation around wanting to find a constructive path forward that has mutual benefits. Share your ideas and ensure that they are heard.
- Listen actively: be open to your employer’s perspective and suggestions, demonstrate respect and a willingness to engage in a two-way conversation.
- Mutual respect: approach the conversation with professionalism and respect, even if emotions run high. Keep the discussion constructive and focused on finding solutions.
- Follow Up: After the conversation, send a follow-up email summarising the discussion and any agreed actions or next steps. It goes without saying that most often several conversations will need to be had to arrive at the appropriate resolution but intelligent adapting and repeating the steps above will help keep you on a productive track.
Conclusion
Remember, addressing work-related stress is about immediate relief, long-term mental and physical health and the protection of the most important relationships around you. By preparing thoroughly, approaching the conversation strategically, and ensuring ongoing support, you take a proactive step toward a healthier work life. Don’t let fear hold you back; your mental health is worth the effort.
If on reading this article you feel your own work situation has become so overwhelming that, more often than not, it is negatively affecting your day-to-day living at work and outside of work it is vital to seek expert support immediately. Consider talking to your General Practitioner (GP), to your Company’s Human Resources department, to trusted family and friends.
The Lazarus Practice can also offer you highly personalised support. We begin by listening with care to fully understand your lived experience before collaborating with you to design tailored support pathways having the highest potential to help you achieve your desired outcomes.
To discover how we can support you, book your complimentary Introductory Assessment today.
