When an employee is struggling with anxiety, the support of a manager can make all the difference.

Managers can provide a listening ear, help to set realistic expectations, and create a supportive work environment.

This is important, as anxiety can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to work effectively.

Here are five tips for managers who want to support employees with anxiety.  

1. Listen and Offer Support

If an employee comes to you with concerns about their anxiety, take the time to listen.

Let them know that you understand how they are feeling and offer your support.

Encourage them to talk about what triggers their anxiety and how they usually cope with it. You can say the following:

"It sounds like you're feeling really overwhelmed. I'm here for you and we can figure this out together," or, "It sounds like you're doing the best you can, given how you're feeling. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

This will help you to understand the employee's individual needs and how you can best support them. 

2. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

If an employee discloses their anxiety to you, it is important to create a safe environment in which they feel comfortable discussing it further.

This means being understanding and respectful of their needs.

It is also important to make sure that the workplace is supportive and accommodating of employees with anxiety.

This includes having flexible policies in place, such as allowing for time off or working from home when needed.

You can also provide access to resources, such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can offer counseling and support.

3. Help Them Identify Triggers and Coping Strategies

Working with the employee, identify what triggers their anxiety and come up with coping strategies to deal with it.

This could involve changing their work schedule, altering their tasks, or supporting them to complete a project.

It is also important to have a plan in place for when an anxiety attack does occur. Some examples of triggers are:

• Deadlines
• Meetings
• Public speaking
• Crowds

This might involve excusing the employee from a meeting or giving them time to take a break.

The goal is to help the employee feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Anxiety can be managed by using coping strategies such as:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Meditation
• Visualization

Encourage the employee to try different techniques to see what works best for them. 

4. Set Realistic Expectations

When an employee is struggling with anxiety, it is important to set realistic expectations.

This means being understanding of their needs and accommodating of their condition.

For example, if an employee is having difficulty meeting deadlines, rather than setting an impossible goal, work with them to create a realistic plan.

This could involve breaking the project down into smaller tasks or extending the deadline.

The key is to avoid putting additional pressure on the employee, which can worsen their anxiety.

5. Follow Up and Check In Regularly

Once you have put support in place for an employee with anxiety, it is important to follow up and check in on a regular basis.

This will help to ensure that the employee is coping and that the strategies you have put in place are working. A couple of ways to address this are:

• Schedule regular check-ins with the employee. This could be a weekly meeting or a quick check-in via email or phone.
• Encourage them to keep you updated on how they are doing. Let the employee know that you are there for them and encourage them to keep you updated on their progress.

It is also a good opportunity to see if there are any other areas of support that the employee might need.

By offering ongoing support, you can create a work environment that is more understanding and accommodating of employees with anxiety.

FAQs

How can I support an employee with anxiety?

If an employee comes to you with concerns about their anxiety, take the time to listen. Let them know that you understand how they are feeling and offer your support. Encourage them to talk about what triggers their anxiety and how they usually cope with it. You can also create a safe and supportive environment, help them identify triggers and coping strategies, set realistic expectations, and follow up and check in regularly.

What should I do if an employee has an anxiety attack?

If an employee has an anxiety attack, it is important to remain calm and supportive. Offer to excuse the employee from a meeting or give them time to take a break. Help them to identify their triggers and come up with coping strategies. Follow up and check in regularly to ensure that they are coping and to see if there are any other areas of support that the employee might need.

What if I am struggling with anxiety?

If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek help. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional. There are also many helpful resources available, such as books, articles, and support groups. 

Seek Professional for Your Office Help if Needed

If you are having difficulty supporting an employee with anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Many qualified mental health professionals can offer guidance and support.

Some can even come to your office and offer training to you and your staff on how to support employees with anxiety. This can be an invaluable investment for your company, as it can help to create a more understanding and supportive work environment.

Anxiety is a common condition that can often be managed with the right support. By offering understanding and accommodation, you can create a work environment that is more supportive of employees with anxiety. 

Disclaimer

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. This article is for informational purposes only. This post should not be used as a substitute for official medical advice from a licensed professional.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a common condition that can often be managed with the right support.

By offering understanding and accommodation, you can create a work environment that is more supportive of employees with anxiety.

By following these five tips, managers can create a more supportive environment for employees with anxiety.