Managers play a critical role in maintaining employee well-being and fostering a safe, productive workplace. With increasing awareness of workplace stress, it’s essential to recognize managers’ challenges and implement strategies to support them effectively. One often underutilized tool in this area is employee behavioral assessments—these provide valuable insights into your team’s needs and behaviors, enabling you to take informed action.
Why Supporting Employees Matters 
When employees feel supported psychologically and physically, they perform better and are more engaged. Poor mental health, on the other hand, can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and even workplace hazards.
Workplace stress can reduce employee productivity by up to 41%: High stress levels significantly diminish productivity.
For managers responsible for meeting team targets, these challenges can seem daunting. However, helping employees manage stress isn’t just an HR responsibility—it’s a leadership imperative that starts with understanding your team on a deeper level.
The Role of Employee Behavioral Assessments
Behavioral assessments are powerful tools that help managers understand an individual’s strengths, stressors, communication styles, and reactions during high-pressure situations. These insights are critical for creating a healthier workplace.
Here’s how behavioral assessments can help:
1. Watch for Early Signs of Burnout
Behavioral assessments can help managers predict how an employee will behave under stress and how to more effectively support their individual needs in a proactive way. For example, if an employee who typically thrives under pressure suddenly behaves by withdrawing or avoiding challenges, it may be time to check in.
2. Enhance Team Dynamics
Understanding how employees interact with one another can help mitigate workplace conflicts or misunderstandings. Behavioral data provides actionable insights for team collaboration strategies, creating a more positive and inclusive environment.
3. Personalized Wellbeing Strategies
Every employee has unique needs when it comes to managing stress. Behavioral assessments deliver insights to help organizations tailor wellbeing initiatives, whether it’s offering flexible working arrangements, providing stress management resources, or assigning tasks that align with their natural strengths when possible.
4. Improve Workplace Safety
From a safety perspective, certain behavioral traits predict which employees are at higher risk of making errors under stress. Training programs and support can then be designed to address these vulnerabilities, minimizing accidents and errors on the job.
Action Steps to Help Managers Support Their Teams
- Utilize Behavioral Assessments Early
Partner with HR to implement behavioral assessments for your team. Use tools that provide clear, actionable data to help you support each employee effectively.
- Develop an Open Dialogue
Encourage honest conversations around mental health and stress management by fostering a supportive environment. Check-in regularly with employees to understand their concerns and needs.
- Promote a Culture of Support
Lead by example! Demonstrate the importance of work-life balance, celebrate achievements, and ensure employees feel appreciated for their contributions.
- Collaborate with HR
Work closely with your organization’s human resources team to learn what employee supports are available. Encourage employees to access resources through employee benefits or employee support initiatives.
The Bottom Line
Supporting each employee to manage stress can transform a team environment, leading to better performance and stronger morale. Behavioral assessments empower managers with comprehensive insights, equipping them to take meaningful, strategic action for their employees’ wellbeing.
If you’re a manager looking to make a difference, behavioral assessments are a practical starting point to foster a healthier and safer workplace while showing your team they’re valued, supported, and understood.
