In today's competitive business world, nurturing the emotional wellbeing and psychological safety of employees is essential for building a more engaged and happy workforce. Elin Breitholtz, the inspiring founder of the Stockholm-based startup Sakura, sheds light on the fascinating realm of emotions and their significant impact on our work lives. This article explores Elin’s practical steps to create an emotionally supportive workplace.

Understanding Emotional Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing is about recognizing and meeting the intrinsic needs of individuals. Just as a tree requires oxygen, sunlight, and water to flourish, humans need specific conditions to maintain harmony and balance. Elin highlights that fulfilling these needs through our actions and thoughts leads to a state of emotional health.

"Emotional wellbeing is about living in alignment with our true needs and desires. When we meet our needs and live according to our preferences, we achieve harmony and emotional balance," explains Elin.

The Intersection of Wants and Needs

Elin's insights into the interplay between wants and needs are truly enlightening. She suggests that our wants often reflect our deeper needs. For instance, the desire for emotional intimacy arises from the fundamental need for connection and understanding. Ignoring these wants can lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Emotions in the Workplace

Furthermore, emotional wellbeing isn't confined to our personal lives; it extends into the workplace. Elin emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing emotions at work. By creating an environment where employees feel safe to express their emotions, companies can enhance psychological safety and overall job satisfaction.

One practical example Elin provides is handling rejection in sales meetings. She notes that the fear of rejection can significantly impact an employee's confidence and performance. By addressing this fear and providing support, companies can help employees navigate these emotional challenges more effectively.

Steps to Foster Emotional Wellbeing at Work

1. Create a Safe Environment

The first step towards fostering emotional wellbeing is to create a psychologically safe environment. This involves creating an environment where employees feel safe to take risks, express their thoughts, and admit mistakes without fear of negative consequences. Psychological safety allows for greater innovation, collaboration, and job satisfaction.

2. Promote Open Communication

Encourage open communication about emotions and mental health. Regular check-ins and discussions about emotional states can help normalize these conversations and reduce stigma.

3. Provide External Support

Not all leaders are equipped to handle emotional wellbeing issues. Bringing in external professionals, such as therapists or emotional wellbeing coaches, can provide the necessary support for employees and help them navigate their emotional landscapes.

4. Integrate Emotional Wellbeing into Company Culture

Incorporate emotional wellbeing into the company's core values and culture. This can involve training programs, workshops, and regular team-building activities that focus on emotional intelligence and psychological safety. Showing employees that emotional wellbeing is valued in the workplace is key.

5. Address Emotional Triggers

Identify and address common emotional triggers in the workplace. This can include managing workload, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive team environment.

6. Celebrate Emotional Health

Celebrate emotional health achievements just as you would celebrate professional accomplishments. Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate resilience, emotional intelligence, and supportive behaviors.

Conclusion

Investing in the emotional wellbeing and psychological safety of employees is not just beneficial for individuals but also for the organization as a whole. A workforce that feels emotionally supported is more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a workplace where emotional wellbeing is prioritized, leading to a happier and more successful workforce.

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Emotional Wellbeing at Work with Elin Breitholtz