1 0 INSTITUTE FOR WORK & HEALTH
Genuine and caring communication leads to workers feeling listened to, heard and supported by the
workplace. This type of communication includes active and reflective listening, as well as expressing empathy
and support, and it happens throughout a worker's time at the workplace.
• You don't need to disclose specifics in order for your manager to engage
in genuine and caring communication with you. For example, you might
request a meeting with your manager to discuss how the workplace can
best support you in fulfilling your job duties while you attend to your health
needs, and use the meeting to plan for flexible scheduling around medical
appointments.
• Implementation tip: If you're concerned about privacy, focusing on
what you need to stay at work and do your job is a good way to frame
conversations.
• Establish relationships in which genuine and caring communication is
the norm. This type of communication can make a positive difference for
workers experiencing depression.
• If you have concerns about your ability to communicate effectively,
ask your HR department about the resources and training that may
be available to help you feel more comfortable in having difficult
conversations.
Genuine and caring
communication
