As Stress Awareness Month draws to a close, we outline the steps workplaces can take to apply the theme (#LeadWithLove) all year round to encourage a more empathetic and inclusive environment.
The issue of stress in the workplace
Workplace wellbeing, as highlighted in the CIPD Good Work Index 2024, is very mixed. According to the CIPD, 39% of employees say that their work benefits their mental health, while 25% feel the negative impacts of work. Although there are inevitable workplace stressors, ideally work should be positively impactful for employees. Movements like #LeadWithLove can help with this.
The mission of #LeadWithLove
#LeadWithLove, as defined by the Stress Management Society, is “a movement that promotes kindness, compassion and Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR)”.
The concept of UPR focuses on accepting individuals and their ideas without any judgement, thereby creating an environment of compassion and emotional safety. The rationale of #LeadWithLove is that if an organisation leads with compassion at its centre, it instils a culture where individuals feel supported and valued to thrive.
Why this is important in the workplace
Creating a culture that has #LeadWithLove at its centre is beneficial for employers in various ways. Firstly, if an organisation presents a culture that values and cares for its employees, staff are likely to feel valued and supported throughout the various stressful pitfalls that life can bring. This can have the benefits of staff loyalty, engaged employees and a shared drive to succeed.
Secondly, an organisation that applies UPR to employees’ opinions and values will have more success in developing resilient, motivated and confident employees. If employees can share their opinions without judgement, they are likely to come up with more innovative ideas. Employers may also be able to resolve concerns at the earliest stage if employees feel they have a voice.
Practical steps
Each organisation’s culture is unique, so implementing #LeadWithLove will vary across businesses.
Here are some practical steps that can be taken by everyone in the workplace:
- Practise UPR: Create an environment where colleagues feel accepted without judgement. This does not mean accepting poor behaviour, but recognising everyone’s inherent value.
- Implement workplace initiatives: The Stress Management Society suggests activities like a “Letters of Love Box” for anonymous appreciation notes and “Lunch with a Stranger” to build connections across teams. Senior staff should actively participate to ensure success.
- Foster psychological safety: Create spaces where team members feel safe to express concerns and share ideas without fear of judgement.
- Practise self-care and boundaries: Make time for yourself and learn to say no when workloads become overwhelming.
- Engage in daily acts of kindness: Small actions like active listening or offering help can make a significant impact on workplace culture.
Regular wellbeing surveys and monitoring changes in engagement and performance indicators can help measure the success of your #LeadWithLove scheme.
All information can be found on the Stress Management Society website. To ensure the success of any scheme, it is essential that senior staff members both actively participate in and encourage it.
Prioritising mental health in the workplace is more than just a temporary trend – it is a necessity. By proactively implementing mental health initiatives, organisations can foster a positive, supportive culture that benefits both employees and the business.
Please reach out to your usual Dentons contact if you require any guidance on implementing policies or strategies to support the mental health of your employees.
