Five benefits of ‘opening up’

It’s never easy to speak honestly about feeling, fears and frustrations . . . but it really can help. Here is a gentle guide to encourage anyone who needs to talk about stuff  

Many of our colleagues will be reluctant to disclose their most personal details and situation.

Naturally, they’re concerned about what you might think of them, and the confidentiality of the conversation. The fear you might share personal information with your employer would prevent many staff from confiding in you.

So, how do you encourage a colleague to open up? And what are the benefits that would encourage you, as a leader, to take the initiative? Let’s look at five benefits of disclosing:

1. Find solutions: Without understanding what a colleague is going through, it’s difficult to know what action might be taken. Benefits of disclosure could be as simple as changes to workload.

2. Access support: Does your company have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Highlighting this benefit can be a great outcome of disclosing. Alternatively, recommend the Real Care app by The Rise Initiative.

3. Being understood: Disclosure can avoid others making inaccurate assumptions about changes in behaviour or performance.

4. Being real: Disclosure reduces the burden of pretending everything is ok.

5. Leadership: By disclosing, the staff member can be a leader, too, showing others it is safe and acceptable to do so.

It’s a great idea to share these benefits with a colleague who might be struggling.

However, the decision to disclose is a personal one. It will be influenced by a complex interplay of individual factors, the perceived benefits and prevailing workplace culture.

Organisations that prioritise psychological safety and demonstrate genuine care for employee wellbeing create environments where staff feel supported when disclosing.