Five Important Questions to Ask your Team in Wellbeing Week.

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the importance of employee well-being cannot be overstated. Acknowledging and addressing the holistic needs of your team members not only boosts their overall happiness and job satisfaction but also contributes to increased productivity and better business outcomes. Well-being Week presents a valuable opportunity to engage with your team on a deeper level and foster a more supportive work environment. We’re sharing five fundamental questions to ask your team this week (and beyond).

Instead of asking, ‘How are you?’, ask, ‘What’s on your mind?’

The default answer to the first question is usually ‘Yes, I’m fine.’ It has become a response that rolls off the tongue before people even question how they are. It’s a surface-level question. Let’s take that to the next level and ask, ‘What’s on your mind?’

This small change in syntax can make a big difference – usually, because it tends to stop people in their tracks. In his book ‘The Coaching Habit’, Michael Bungay Stanier calls this ‘the Kickstarter question’ – the one that can start any conversation in a way that’s both focused and open.’

What support or resources do you need access to?

Stress is prevalent in the corporate environment, and adequate support is vital. Ask your team what support they need and give them the green light to ask for help. They may often feel bad for asking too many questions and see asking for help as a weakness. Here you’re opening the gates to be able to talk through any support they need and explore potential solutions together. Acknowledging and addressing stress-related challenges can foster a more resilient and mentally healthy workforce.

When’s your next holiday?

This question can be a mix of chat around the proverbial water cooler and genuine concern about their next planned time away from the office. Annual leave is given to employees for a reason, but many people out there feel like it’s a waste of time if they’re not jet-setting out of the country. It’s easy to forget the positive impact that having time away from the office can have on them. Remind them of that (and maybe even yourself).

Are there any opportunities to develop your skills that you’d like to explore?

Ask your team about their career aspirations and areas where they want to enhance their skills. Helping your team find the time to take on additional training, get mentoring, or work on other projects that align with their interests will help them flourish. Knowing they have your support will make a massive difference and show you’re not just focused on ‘getting the job done.’ Nurturing their professional growth not only boosts morale but also promotes a sense of loyalty and commitment.

How can we communicate better as a team?

Open and effective communication is the cornerstone of a healthy work environment. In times of stress and last-minute deadlines, it’s often the first thing that stops. We can sometimes make assumptions about what each person is doing, leading to doubling up on work and making mistakes!

Ask your team members about their communication preferences and suggestions for enhancing it. Consider implementing tools or practices that encourage collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity. You can foster stronger relationships, trust, and engagement among team members by fostering a positive work culture.

At The Hustle House we aim to inspire and enable organisations to bring about sustained, positive change through their people in this way. Find out more about our services here. https://www.thehustlehouse.co.uk/.