Many people in the workplace say “I’m fine” when they’re anything but.

They may be overwhelmed, exhausted, struggling at home, or quietly losing confidence. But fear of judgement, workload pressures, or workplace culture often makes it difficult to speak honestly.

For managers, this creates a challenge.

You want to support your team, but you may worry about saying the wrong thing, crossing a line, or opening a conversation you’re not sure how to handle.

This session shows you how to respond with confidence, kindness, and practical tools.

Instead of trying to “fix” people or become a therapist, you’ll learn how to create the kind of everyday conversations that build trust, reduce pressure, and help people feel safe enough to speak honestly.

What This Session Covers

In this practical and accessible training, you’ll learn how to recognise when someone may need support and how to start a conversation that genuinely helps.

The session introduces four simple moves managers can use immediately:

1. Create a Safe Space

Learn how tone, privacy, and simple phrases like “I’ve noticed…” can open conversations without judgement.

2. Ask Twice

Understand why people often give a polite first answer and how a second gentle question can invite honesty.

3. Listen Generously

Develop the skills of reflective listening, validation, and holding space without rushing to solve the problem.

4. Agree One Baby Step

Discover how small, realistic next steps and follow-up conversations make support feel manageable and genuine.

These approaches help managers move from awkward or avoided conversations to constructive, supportive dialogue.

Why This Matters

Research consistently shows that managers have a powerful influence on employee wellbeing.

Early conversations can prevent small struggles becoming major crises, while regular check-ins help create cultures where people feel safe, valued, and supported.

This session focuses on simple, practical actions that make a real difference in everyday leadership.

Included with the Recording

When you access this recording, you’ll receive a set of practical resources you can use immediately with your team:

Wellbeing and Development Review Questions

A structured framework for meaningful conversations that explore wellbeing, engagement, relationships, meaning, and personal development.

Personal Wellbeing Plan Template

A reflective tool that helps individuals identify boundaries, support networks, and self-care practices to protect their energy and wellbeing.

Practical Scenarios

Guided examples exploring common workplace situations such as withdrawal, overwhelm, or declining work quality.

Together, these resources help translate ideas into real conversations and practical action.

You’ll Leave With

A simple structure for wellbeing conversations
Confidence to ask supportive questions without overstepping
Practical listening techniques that build trust
Tools for helping staff take manageable next steps
Downloadable templates you can use immediately with your team

Who This Is For

This session is ideal for:

Library managers and supervisors
Team leaders and project leads
HR and people professionals
Anyone responsible for supporting colleagues’ wellbeing

No specialist mental health training is required. The approach focuses on kind, practical leadership skills that anyone can use.

Important: Your Role as a Manager

One key message from this session is understanding the difference between support and responsibility.

Managers are not expected to provide therapy or solve every problem.

Instead, your role is to notice, ask, listen, and adjust — creating a culture where people feel safe to speak and supported to take small steps forward.

Access the Recording

This on-demand recording allows you to learn at your own pace and revisit the tools whenever you need them.

Perfect for individual learning or for organisations wanting to strengthen kind, psychologically safe leadership practices.

Join a Live Empower Session