A past research indicates that workers think that their bosses are the most stressful aspect of their professions. This highlights the importance of establishing a compassionate and encouraging work atmosphere. Employees desire empathy, flexibility, and a sense of belonging in addition to a compensation, as workplace mental health is becoming a significant concern and burnout rates are rising as shown by studies. Accordingly, companies that put employee well-being first get observable benefits including increased output, decreased attrition, and a happier staff. Employers and employees benefit from a supportive work atmosphere that encourages teamwork, innovation, and general job happiness.

How? Here’s what human resources (HR) experts say.

Implement a Buddy System

As a business that employs staff onsite, hybrid, and remotely on a global level, it is important to foster a supportive and humane work environment. Without that, there is the danger that employees may become disconnected and disengaged. 

One strategy we have implemented is to operate a buddy system. This works by assigning two employees together to stay in touch, look out for each other, share information, and make sure that each has someone to talk to. 

Some buddies take a while to fully relax with each other, but we have found that after a while, the result is more open lines of communication and stronger business relationships. The support employees feel by having someone who isn’t their manager available to speak to, whether it’s work-related or general conversation, has helped increase employee satisfaction levels. 

The buddy system has often, unintentionally, created cross-department friendships, with people being invited to different social events or online channels. Faces are put to names, and connections are made throughout the business by natural networking.

Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll

Combine Open-Door Policies with Support

I put in place an open-door policy that allowed staff members to freely voice issues or ask management for advice at any time. I supplemented it with structured support mechanisms, like frequent check-ins and anonymous feedback channels, to make sure this was practical and not simply symbolic.

Workers were urged to speak with supervisors about any issues, suggestions, or personal struggles. They felt heard and appreciated as a result, which promoted openness and trust.

Also, managers conducted regular one-on-one check-ins to proactively address any issues and provide support before concerns escalated. For those uncomfortable with direct conversations, I set up anonymous feedback channels, allowing employees to voice concerns or suggest improvements without fear of judgment.

This approach created a more supportive and humane work environment, where employees felt safe to express themselves and seek help when needed. It led to higher morale, better communication, and a more cohesive team.

My recommendation is for HR managers to foster a supportive work environment by combining an open-door policy with regular check-ins and anonymous feedback channels. This creates a culture of openness, trust, and support, ensuring employees feel valued and cared for.

Ana Alipat, Recruitment Team Lead, Dayjob Recruitment

Prioritize Employee Assistance Programs

One of the things that our organization has started doing in recent years is having a Licensed Counselor from our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) come out and do group counseling sessions for our employees on a periodic basis. These sessions are at no cost to employees. 

We also offer employees the opportunity to then schedule private one-on-one sessions with the Licensed Counselor after the group sessions, again at no cost to them. We prioritize our EAP overall. From making the EAP services available to employees from their first day of employment, to giving an overview of the EAP during new-hire orientation, to providing EAP materials when employees are dealing with personal crisis situations. 

Doing so offers employees a comprehensive, confidential service that they can access 24/7 to deal with life’s challenges.

Mayank Singh, Director of Human Resources, Coordinated Family Care

Introduce “Wellness Wednesdays”

One small thing I implemented to foster a more supportive work environment was introducing “Wellness Wednesdays,” where we dedicated time each week for team members to focus on their mental and physical well-being. It started with giving them an hour to focus on something personal that they were passionate about. The team then chose some simple activities like guided meditation or group walks, but the real impact came when we encouraged open discussions about stress and mental health. 

One employee shared a personal challenge during one of these sessions with a few other team members, and the outpouring of support from the team was incredible. This initiative not only improved morale but also created a culture of empathy and understanding, where employees felt genuinely cared for and supported in their personal and professional lives.

Sam Johnston, Cofounder, SBR2TH

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