Job One: Mental Health

by Guest Author (Kristine Iverson)

September 13, 2024

Practical tips for supporting event employees during stressful times

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the importance of supporting employee mental health cannot be overstated. Meeting professionals, often at the helm of high-stress projects, are uniquely positioned to influence their teams’ well-being. However, balancing the need to maintain productivity while addressing mental health concerns can be challenging, especially since managers are not trained therapists.

The goal is to provide support without embarrassing employees, getting too personal, or disrupting the workplace. Read on for three practical tips for fostering a supportive environment using strategies like the spiral technique and the thought ladder, concepts championed by mental health advocates such as Louise Hay and Kara Loewentheil.

1. Encourage the Use of the Spiral Technique

One effective way to support mental health in the workplace is by encouraging the use of the spiral technique, a concept emphasized by Hay. This technique focuses on fostering positive thoughts and behaviors to counteract negative spirals. The idea is simple: just as negative thoughts and behaviors can lead to a downward spiral, positive thoughts and actions can create an upward spiral, improving overall well-being.

How to Implement the Spiral Technique

Promote Positive Thinking: Encourage employees to focus on small, positive aspects of their day. For example, start team meetings with a round of sharing one good thing that happened to each person since the last meeting.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate even minor achievements of your team members. This acknowledgment helps build a culture of positivity and appreciation.
Provide Positive Feedback: Offer constructive feedback with an emphasis on what was done well before discussing areas for improvement. This approach can boost confidence and motivation.

By consciously steering conversations and actions towards positivity, managers can help their teams “spiral up” instead of down, creating a more supportive and mentally healthy work environment.

2. Implement the Thought Ladder Technique

The thought ladder, a concept popularized by Loewentheil, is a powerful tool for helping individuals shift from negative to positive thinking. This technique involves identifying a negative thought and gradually replacing it with more positive, believable thoughts, one step at a time.

How to Use the Thought Ladder in the Workplace

Identify Negative Thought: Encourage employees to acknowledge when they are having negative thoughts without judgment. This can be done privately or in a supportive setting.
Gradual Reframing: Help employees find slightly better-feeling thoughts that they can believe. For example, if an employee thinks, “I am terrible at this job,” help them move to a thought like, “I am learning and improving every day.”
Reinforce Positive Rungs: Regularly check in with employees to reinforce the new, positive thoughts they are working towards. Provide supportive feedback and resources to help them climb the thought ladder.

This technique allows employees to take control of their mental state in a manageable way, promoting a gradual but lasting shift towards more positive thinking.

3. Create a Culture of Open Communication and Support

While managers are not therapists, they can create an environment where open communication about mental health is encouraged and supported. This involves setting clear boundaries and providing resources without intruding into personal lives.

Steps to Foster Open Communication

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular, informal check-ins with team members to discuss their workload and any challenges they might be facing. These check-ins should be positioned as opportunities to provide support rather than performance reviews.
Mental Health Resources: Provide information about mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, and stress management workshops. Make these resources easily accessible and communicate their availability frequently.
Training and Education: Offer training for managers and employees on mental health awareness, stress management, and effective communication. Understanding mental health better can help managers support their teams without overstepping boundaries.

Creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported can reduce the stigma around seeking help and encourage employees to take proactive steps in managing their mental health. Supporting employee mental health is not just about preventing burnout or addressing crises; it’s about fostering an environment where employees feel valued, understood, and supported. By implementing techniques like the spiral technique and the thought ladder, and by creating a culture of open communication, meeting professionals can make a significant positive impact on their teams’ well-being. These strategies allow managers to offer meaningful support without intruding on personal boundaries, ultimately leading to a more productive, engaged, and healthy workplace.

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As a contestant on “The Blox,” the entrepreneur-focused reality TV show, Kristine Iverson showcased her skills and innovation in the competitive landscape of entrepreneurship. Beyond her TV appearances, Iverson is also recognized as an author and wellness advocate. She is the of the live event wellness company, CROW Practice. Iverson is a featured speaker in the Caesars Wellness Menu.