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Compassionate Communication Toolkit

Toolkit Overview

The Compassionate Communication Toolkit teaches staff, faculty and student leaders how best to communicate with their team members or employees, with mental health and well-being in mind. 

The toolkit is organised into four core sections that will teach you how to:

  1. Communicate clearly, frequently and compassionately 
  2. Communicate to recognize, rejuvenate and reward
  3. Communicate about work and school demands and resources
  4. Communicate about mental health and well-being issues and resources

Information Box Group

Background

During the pandemic, many members of the McMaster community experienced struggles, losses and challenges. When leaders can seek to understand their team members’ diverse experiences and perspectives, and try to help relieve their stress and suffering, people feel heard, valued and are better able to navigate difficult times and transitions. This is compassionate communication.

The Compassionate Communication Toolkit was created to support staff, faculty and student leaders who want to learn how to communicate effectively and compassionately with their team. It builds on best practices and evidence and incorporates suggestions from faculty, staff and students from the McMaster Okanagan Mental Health & Well-being Task Force.