By Tiffany Rucker, MBA

It’s important as a leader to take a step back and remember that employees are people with thoughts, emotions and value systems that make each of them unique. Sometimes the people who work with us deal with heavy personal issues that can affect their ability to focus and perform. 

If you want to be an exceptional leader, be sure you take time to check in with your team’s mental health—because they’ll only truly thrive in an environment where they feel safe and appreciated.

One of the ways that you can check-in with staff is to make a habit before major meetings of taking a moment to genuinely find out how everyone is doing. Take small mental notes of people who may express distress or those who seem adrift during the conversation. Personal battles are often fought in the quiet of our minds, so listening and watching for subtle clues is important.

Next, as the leader, it’s up to you to foster an environment conducive to proper self-care. Hosting self-care initiatives or challenges in the workplace can be a great way to help employees commit to caring for themselves. Make the challenge fun and provide an incentive that fits the goal, such as a paid day off.

You should also lead by example by demonstrating a healthy work-life balance. When you are stressed and exhausted, your team will match your energy. Allowing your employees to see that you take time for yourself and your family will give them a sense of security that you will have the same care and compassion for their families.

Be mindful that employees often look to you to set the tone when it comes to taking time off. What message are you sending with emails timestamped 3 a.m.? What does taking a meeting while you’re on vacation do to set expectations for your team? Be open and honest about your time-off policies, so there is no confusion and follow through with your own policy.

Do you make it clear that you’re open to the idea of making reasonable accommodations for your employees? (And are you—truly?) Sometimes they have special circumstances that weigh heavily on their mental health. Just making things a little easier for them in the workplace can make a difference. Employees who require special accommodations may carry guilt, shame or embarrassment surrounding their situation. Allowing them the freedom to take care of their needs will increase their commitment to your organization.

If employees start to display behavior that is abnormal, check in with them before passing judgment or making assumptions. Sometimes a simple check-in can help employees refocus and get back to business. 

Although defining ambitious goals and delivering on your mission promise is important, taking care of the people who help make your nonprofit successful is equally so. 

Tiffany Rucker, MBA, is a small business and financial literacy coach as well as wife, mom and special needs advocate. She is a contributor to JSG & Associates and lives in Tampa, Fla.