Whether you’re an agency owner, manager or team leader, you’re keenly aware that the strength of your business lies in the people who power it. Your team’s well-being directly influences their productivity, creativity and overall job satisfaction. But what happens when the personal lives of your team members take an unexpected turn? Whether it’s a significant life event like a marriage, a new child, a health crisis, or even a significant loss, these shifts can profoundly impact your employees’ ability to perform at their best. How you support them during these times can make all the difference.

The truth is, as leaders, we’re human. We will make mistakes and won’t always get it right. What matters is that we do our best and strive to do better tomorrow — especially when our team members face personal challenges.

In this article, I share a road map and practical steps for supporting team members when their personal lives shift, fostering a resilient and compassionate company culture.

Lead With Empathy

Empathy isn’t just a soft skill; it’s the cornerstone of effective leadership. Leading with empathy means putting yourself in your team member’s shoes, understanding their experiences, and responding with genuine care and concern. This is especially important when guiding a team through personal or professional challenges. Such an approach builds trust and fosters a culture of mutual respect and support. Practical steps include:

  • Active Listening: When team members share their challenges, give them your full attention. Listening without interrupting or rushing to provide solutions can make them feel valued and understood.
  • Tailored Support: Recognize that each team member’s situation is unique and requires a personalized approach. Offer solutions that are specifically tailored to their needs, whether it’s adjusting their workload, providing extra time off, or simply checking in on their well-being.
  • Empathetic Communication: Use compassionate language in all communications. A simple acknowledgment of their situation and a reminder that they have your support can make a significant difference.

Cultivate Open Communication Channels

The first step in supporting your team during personal upheavals is to foster a culture of open communication. Employees should feel safe discussing their personal challenges without fear of judgment or repercussion. This means actively listening, showing empathy, and providing reassurance that their well-being is your priority through the following steps:

  • Regular Check-Ins: Schedule consistent one-on-one meetings to discuss not just work-related issues but also any personal matters that might be affecting them.
  • Anonymous Feedback Channels: Offer platforms where employees can voice concerns or ask for support anonymously, ensuring that even more private individuals feel heard.

Offering flexible work arrangements is a tangible way to support your team during personal upheavals. It’s about understanding that the traditional 9-to-5 workday might not be feasible for everyone and providing options that allow employees to balance their responsibilities without compromising their professional roles. This may look like:

  • Remote Work Options: Allow team members to work from home, especially if they’re dealing with a new family dynamic or health issues.
  • Flexible Hours: Provide the option to adjust working hours to accommodate medical appointments, childcare needs, or other personal commitments.

According to a 2023 Gallup survey, companies that offer flexible work arrangements have 55 percent lower employee burnout rates.

Provide Mental Health Support

Life changes, particularly difficult ones, can take a toll on mental health. It’s crucial to provide resources that help employees manage stress, anxiety or depression:

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer access to counseling services where employees can seek professional help discreetly.
  • Mental Health Days: Encourage the use of mental health days without stigma, allowing employees to take the time they need to recuperate.

A report by the World Health Organization in 2024 highlighted that workplace mental health initiatives improve well-being and boost productivity by up to 12 percent.

Encourage a Supportive Team Environment

A supportive team can make all the difference in how an individual copes with personal changes. Encouraging camaraderie and understanding within your team fosters a culture where employees look out for one another. Consider implementing the following:

  • Peer Support Groups: Create informal groups where employees can share experiences and offer mutual support.
  • Team-Building Activities: Organize activities that strengthen bonds and create a sense of community, allowing employees to lean on each other during tough times.

Review and Adapt Policies

Finally, regularly review your company policies to ensure they align with your team’s evolving needs. Life changes can bring up gaps in your current offerings, from parental leave to bereavement policies.

Practical steps include:

  • Policy Audits: Conduct annual reviews of HR policies to ensure they’re comprehensive and inclusive.
  • Feedback Loops: Use feedback from employees who have undergone significant life changes to refine your policies, making them more supportive and effective.

Supporting your team when their personal lives shift is not just about being a good leader — it’s about fostering a company culture where employees feel valued and supported as whole individuals. By implementing these strategies, you can work towards helping your team navigate life’s challenges while maintaining a productive, positive and resilient workplace.

By prioritizing your employees’ well-being, you invest in their long-term success and, by extension, the success of your business. In a world where personal and professional lives are increasingly intertwined, your ability to lead with empathy and flexibility will define the strength of your company culture.

Melissa Mango is the president and founder of Alliance Connection. This article was originally published by Alliance Connection and has been republished with permission.