High resolution infographic: Emotional intelligence of managers in the workplace
Emotional intelligence can be learned with Managing Emotions, a free online resource
WINNIPEG, Oct. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Nine in 10 (91 per cent) of Canadian managers and supervisors recognize the importance of improving their emotional intelligence in the workplace and believe it is possible to do so. And yet, across all sectors, managers and supervisors scored as having more challenges than strengths in the skill areas that were measured. These are some of the key findings of a new Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace.
The survey measured the emotional intelligence of managers in Canada, specifically relating to how they may respond to the emotional distress of their employees. "Emotional intelligence in the workplace encompasses skill areas such as the ability to deal with other people's negative emotions and reactions, to understand and manage our personal reactions, and to communicate effectively, including resolving conflict," says Mike Schwartz, Senior Vice-President of Group Benefits for Great-West Life and Executive Director of the Centre. "While clearly recognizing the importance of these skills, almost half (47 per cent) of respondents are rated as challenged in one or more of these skill areas, and only one per cent of managers were rated as strong across all measured skill areas."
The skill areas where respondents experience the most challenges in working with distressed employees are communicating effectively and understanding their own emotional reactions. Survey results showed that nearly one third of managers/supervisors had some challenges in these areas.
"We know that the emotional intelligence of managers has an effect on the psychological health and safety of employees," says Mary Ann Baynton (photo), Program Director of the Centre. "Two out of three respondents indicate they could do their jobs more effectively if they could better manage distressed workers. The good news is there are ways to help managers develop these skills. A key resource employers can use to help assess and improve emotional intelligence is Managing Emotions, one of the modules of the Centre's Managing Mental Health Matters program."
"While there are a number of emotional intelligence assessments available on the Internet, some are quite complex or must be purchased," Mary Ann continues. "Managing Emotions is unique in that it is a free, evidence-based resource developed by researchers in collaboration with leading experts in emotional intelligence."
More information about free resources and survey results are available on the Centre's website at www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com
About the survey
The Ipsos Reid survey on the emotional intelligence of managers in the workplace is the latest national survey on psychological health and safety in the workplace commissioned and funded by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. The survey is an assessment of managers and supervisors in terms of their abilities to manage their emotions across a number of key areas and domains.
A total of 2,317 surveys among managers and supervisors were completed online. The survey helps advance the knowledge of psychological health and safety in the workplace and reinforces the value of resources to increase emotional intelligence.
The survey results also serve to reinforce the value of the upcoming National Standard of Canada on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, funded by the Government of Canada and expected to be released in early November. The Centre helped to fund this national framework, including hosting a consensus conference as well as a forum on psychological health and safety in the workplace.
About the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace
Established in 2007, the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace is a leading source of practical ideas, tools and resources designed to help with the prevention, intervention and management of workplace mental health issues. Focused specifically on the workplace, the Centre is working to increase awareness and understanding, and to help employers take concrete steps to foster a psychologically healthy and safe workplace and manage employee mental health issues. All of the Centre's tools and resources are available in English and French to anyone, anywhere, and at no charge at www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com
The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace and design are registered trademarks of The Great-West Life Assurance Company.
As an Imagine Caring Company, Great-West Life is proud to support the resources developed through the Centre through its national corporate citizenship program, Stronger Communities Together™.
Image with caption: "Infographic: Emotional intelligence of managers in the workplace (CNW Group/Great-West Life Assurance Company)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121018_C7118_PHOTO_EN_19334.jpg
SOURCE: Great-West Life Assurance Company
For more information or to reach a spokesperson for the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace, Great-West Life or Ipsos Reid, contact:
Marlene Klassen, APR
Assistant Vice-President, Communication Services, Great-West Life
204.946.7705
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