11 Apr Stress Awareness Month: The Power of Listening as a Business Owner or Line Manager
April marks Stress Awareness Month — a timely reminder that stress touches all of us, often in quiet, unnoticed ways. For those in leadership roles, it’s not only about managing your own mental health, but also about supporting your team’s wellbeing. One of the most effective tools you have. Listening
Why Listening Matters
Stress doesn’t always announce itself. It can appear in subtle forms — a dip in morale, withdrawn behaviour, or a sudden change in performance. As a line manager, taking the time to really listen can be the difference between early intervention and long-term struggle.
When employees feel heard, they’re more likely to be open, trust you, and ask for help when they need it — all of which contributes to a healthier, more resilient team.
How to Support Your Staff Through Listening
Here are a few ways to strengthen your listening skills as a line manager:
1. Prioritise Regular Check-Ins
Consistent, informal one-to-ones create a safe space for open conversations. Even a 15-minute chat can provide valuable insight into how someone is coping.
2. Be Present
Give your full attention. That means silencing notifications, making eye contact, and showing genuine interest. Your presence alone can help your team feel seen.
3. Use Open-Ended Questions
Encourage dialogue with questions like “What’s been feeling challenging lately?” or “How are you finding things this week?” — and listen without rushing to solve.
4. Acknowledge and Reflect
Let people know you’ve heard them. Try responses like, “It sounds like you’ve had a lot on your plate lately,” to validate their experience and keep the door open for more.
5. Use Silence Thoughtfully
Silence can feel uncomfortable — especially in leadership roles where we’re often expected to jump in, guide, or fix. But in conversations about stress or mental health, silence can be a powerful tool. It gives people space to think, to feel, and to speak at their own pace.
Resisting the urge to fill every gap with advice or reassurance helps build trust. It shows that you’re not just waiting for your turn to speak — you’re truly listening. Silence says: I’m here. I’m not rushing you. I’m with you.
Often, it’s in those quiet moments that the most honest reflections emerge.
6. Follow Through
If someone shares something with you, check in again. Even small follow-ups build trust and show that their voice made a difference.
Listening Is Support — But It’s Also Just the Start
Sometimes listening is enough to make someone feel lighter. Other times, it may highlight the need for more structured support — and that’s where training and resources come in.
At My White Dog, we offer Mental Health Awareness Training designed to help leaders and staff build confidence around supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace. If you’re looking to deepen your skills or equip your team with tools to thrive, our programs are here to help.
Explore our half day mental health aware training programs at https://mywhitedog.com/adult-half-day-mental-health-aware-course/
This Stress Awareness Month, take the time to pause, check in, and really listen — including embracing the silences. Because sometimes, simply being heard is the beginning of feeling better.
