Workplace Mental Health. Why Is It My Problem?
According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. If you take finances out of the equation, that’s a massive number of people whose livelihoods are impacted negatively by their mental health.
It’s been a difficult couple of years in terms of work-place wellbeing. Firstly, and not to sound like an old record, but covid happened. And although we’re no longer living through a global pandemic, elements of our workplace culture still haven’t fully recovered. There are also multiple over contributing factors, such as work/life balance, economic instability, and pressure to succeed.
A common misconception around employee wellbeing is that ownership sits solely with HR. But creating a supportive and healthy work environment should be everyone’s job. Here’s how you can do it effectively.
Environment
Promote Open Communication: Encourage an open dialogue about mental wellbeing. Destigmatizing these issues begins with creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges without fear of judgment or repercussion. Regular check-ins, awareness programs, and training for managers on how to handle these conversations can make a significant difference.
Provide Access to Resources: Ensure that employees have access to the tools and resources they might need. Apps such as Mindset and Headspace are great for encouraging positive behaviours, but programmes such a Spill and BetterHelp put you in touch with real professionals. Making these resources easily accessible shows employees that their wellbeing is a priority.
Encourage Work-Life Balance: Promote policies that encourage a healthy work-life balance. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and ensuring employees take their allotted vacation time can help prevent burnout. To really embrace employee wellbeing, introduce the concept of mental health days. Encouraging regular breaks during the workday and providing spaces for relaxation and downtime can also support mental health.
Foster a Positive Work Culture: A positive and inclusive work culture can significantly impact mental health. Recognize and celebrate achievements, encourage teamwork, and ensure that all employees feel included and valued. A supportive culture where employees feel connected can reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
Practical Strategies for Promoting Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health Training for Managers: Equip managers with the skills to recognize signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support. Training can help managers feel more confident in addressing mental health concerns and fostering a supportive environment.
Regular Wellbeing Check-Ins: Implement regular wellbeing check-ins where employees can discuss their mental health with HR or trained personnel. These check-ins can be informal but provide a structured opportunity for employees to voice any concerns or seek support.
Wellness Programs and Activities: Offer wellness programs that focus on physical and mental health. This can include fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, stress management workshops, and activities that promote relaxation and mental clarity.
Healthy Work Environment: Create a workspace that supports mental health. Natural light, plants, and ergonomic furniture can create a more pleasant and stress-reducing environment. If you have employees that are based remotely, offer a workplace set up budget when they first join, so they can create an environment that supports their mental health.
Finally, leadership plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and wellbeing in the office. Leaders who prioritize their own wellbeing set a positive example for their teams. By being open about their own challenges and the steps they take to manage the obstacles they face, leaders can help destigmatize the issue and encourage others to seek help when needed.
Creating a workplace that prioritizes these things is an ongoing journey. By taking these steps, we can move towards a future where every employee feels supported and empowered to bring their best self to work every day. Download our candidate report to better understand what employees need to feel supported.