While the last few years have seen great strides in how many companies now help employees deal with work pressure as well the stresses that come from home, there are still problems we might see on a daily basis in the workplace but be unsure how to deal with them.
Esquire Middle East asked Noona Nafousi, a corporate coach and NLP-certified trainer, to help us with three big questions on how we approached positive mental health at work and beyond.
Help a colleague suffering from burnout
“The key to success here is noticing the signs,” says Nafousi. “Pay attention to any noticeable changes in their behaviour and character. Watch for signs such as uncharacteristic outbursts of anger, increased emotional sensitivity, withdrawal from social interactions, or a quieter demeanour. When you notice these shifts from their usual personality, this is where you can offer support. Extend a helping hand by sharing their workload, delegating tasks, or organising a lunch to have a conversation with them. Alternatively, you can guide them towards professional assistance if necessary. Remember, approaching the situation with patience, empathy, and kindness—without passing judgement—is crucial.”
Encourage a colleague to open up about their mental health
“One of the most impactful approaches to encourage someone to speak freely about their mental health is by sharing your own struggles,” says Nafousi. “By being vulnerable and sharing our own experiences, we create a safe space for others to do the same. It’s essential to let our guard down if we want others to feel comfortable and secure enough to express their emotions and challenges. This act of vulnerability builds trust and develops a deeper connection between individuals, enabling meaningful conversations about mental health.”
Be a good leader in the workplace
“The truth is that self-leadership is a prerequisite for effective leadership of others” comments Nafousi. “Self-leadership is crucial, especially in trying circumstances, and good leaders know this. When things are going well it’s easy to take the lead, just as it’s easy to be at peace with who we are. True leadership, on the other hand, is evident when we lead ourselves and our teams through adversity. So, the true measure of a leader is how they conduct themselves in times of crisis.”