In this week’s Workplace Wednesday, give some compassion to a co-worker.
The holidays can be a challenging time for some, and possibly even more so this year as we continue to face the stressors of the pandemic.
This year, many of your colleagues may be struggling with mental health challenges related to the season. Not being able to see family, not being able to get a true “break,” or struggling with health and financial issues can have deleterious effects on our emotional well-being and lead to reactivity in our reactions to work requests or interactions.
Sometimes, all a colleague needs is someone to let them know that you’re there for them. For today’s Workplace Wednesday, can you be that person?
It’s not always easy to ask for help, especially in a workaholic culture. We’re often taught that it’s a sign of weakness or that we’re supposed to do everything all on our own. And if we can’t, well, then we must not be efficient enough or hard working enough.
For this very reason, one of the greatest gifts we can give to the people we care about is to simply let them know we’re there to support them if they need it. When we let them know that we’re ready and willing to support them, it gives them the space to ask for whatever they need.
Maybe they don’t actually need anything in the moment, but the fact that you’ve extended your hand is an important gesture. Later, when they really do need some help, they’ll remember that you offered your support.
It can be as simple as noticing that a colleague has seemed short-tempered or overwhelmed and simply asking if they need anything. Or ask them how life outside of work is going and if there’s anything you can do to help.
So that’s your job this holiday season: reach out to a colleague and let them know they can lean on you in a time of need. This supports your coworkers and strengthens your skills of kindness and compassion.
Want support getting in a compassion frame of mind? Try out this seated meditation, Compassion in Challenging Times.
Learn more about how the Healthy Minds Framework can support your workplace well-being with Healthy Minds @Work or signing up for our Healthy Minds @Work Public MasterClass.
