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Within the deathcare industry, as with every sector, managers play a pivotal role in shaping the work environment and the overall wellbeing of their staff. The nature of this profession, which often involves dealing with grief, loss, and, at times, emotionally taxing situations, makes it even more essential to foster and promote a culture of wellbeing.
With that in mind, here are a few ideas on how cemetery, crematorium or funeral home managers can help to embed a culture of wellbeing throughout their organisation.
Facilitate Open Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of creating a healthy workplace culture. Create an environment where staff feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and emotions. Encourage regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-to-one discussions to ensure that everyone can share their experiences and seek support when needed.
Provide Training and Education
Offer training and education programs that equip employees with the skills and knowledge to cope with the unique challenges of the deathcare profession. For example, training in stress management, and self-care, or grief counselling, if appropriate, can empower staff to better support themselves and the families they serve.
Encourage a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Help employees to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life. The deathcare industry often demands irregular hours and highly emotional situations and environments. Managers can promote a healthy work-life balance by scheduling time off, ensuring reasonable work hours, and providing support for employees facing particularly distressing situations.
Foster Peer Support Networks
Encourage the development of peer support networks or mentorships among staff. This allows employees to connect with colleagues who understand the unique challenges they face. Peer support can be an invaluable resource for emotional wellbeing.
Provide Mental Health Resources
Ensure that employees have access to mental health resources and support services in their community. Consider Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which can provide confidential counselling and assistance for various personal and work-related challenges. Promote awareness of these resources to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
Recognise and Celebrate Achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate staff member’s achievements and contributions. Recognition can boost morale and job satisfaction, contributing to a positive workplace culture. Create a culture of appreciation through awards, shout-outs, or team celebrations.
Promote Physical Health
Physical health is closely linked to mental wellbeing. Encourage healthy habits by providing access to wellness programs, fitness facilities, or health screenings. Promote regular breaks and physical activity to counteract the sedentary nature of some roles in the deathcare industry.
Offer Professional Development
Invest in the professional development of your employees. Opportunities for growth and skill development can enhance job satisfaction and overall wellbeing. Providing pathways for career advancement can also boost morale.
Lead by Example
Managers should model self-care and a healthy work-life balance. Demonstrating the importance of wellbeing through their own actions sends a powerful message to the team. Managers who prioritise their own mental health set a positive example for their staff to follow.
Conduct Wellbeing Surveys
Regularly gather feedback from employees through wellbeing surveys. These surveys can help identify areas where improvements are needed and gauge the overall morale of the team. Use the feedback to make informed decisions about wellbeing initiatives.
Promoting a culture of wellbeing in the deathcare industry workplace requires a proactive approach from managers. It involves creating an open and supportive environment, offering resources for mental health, and addressing the unique challenges of the profession.
By prioritising employee wellbeing, managers not only support their staff but also contribute to the overall effectiveness and compassion of the organisation in providing end-of-life care.
