Viki refactoring

Is refactoring working?

As a manager, we've got a key role. We are often the first port of call for our employees, so it's really important that we consider how we keep our team mentally healthy. And if we think about that, it could be things such as creating a sense of cohesion, of connection, of belonging. It might be about reaching out to people and having a sort of a non-problem talk conversation. So it's not about work, it's not about anything to do with their role within that working environment. It's actually about them as a person, as an individual. And now with this remote working, it's harder and harder to be able to connect to people on that personal level. So just reaching out and just starting the first part of the conversation, maybe in a one-to-one by talking about them and how they're getting on and what they've been up to, and just sharing something about yourself as well that can really start to create that sense of connection with your employee. Then thinking about the wider team and thinking about raising awareness of particular subjects and issues. And then people get more used to and more comfortable in talking about ensuring experiences and things that are going on for them and really connecting on different subjects. Thinking then about how you practise what you preach. So if you are asking them to clock off and make sure they take breaks and make sure the booking holidays, make sure that you are modelling the same things. Creating that sense of psychological safety so that people can turn up and show up to work however they would like to in the sense of they are them, be you wherever you are in your work because that is really important that we're not excluding people. We are inclusive as an employer and as a manager, you recognise whatever they're bringing to the party and you value them dearly. Thinking about then how you communicate with them and thinking about making sure that you've asked them how they're doing, making sure that you check in, you're detecting if there's any issues, say what you see. So if you do notice something, a change in someone, make sure that you put it to them and see if you can help them to understand what's been going on for them. And maybe you need to make some adjustments for them. But having that open conversation and having that safe place for them to be able to do that with you as their manager is going to be really beneficial for their mental wellbeing and work.