Mental Health at your workplace: Does it matters?

Mental health is often viewed as a personal issue, something that is best left to individuals to deal with in their own way. However, mental health is also a workplace issue. Mental health problems can impact employees’ productivity, performance, and attendance, and can also create a ripple effect throughout the workplace.

Companies have a vested interest in promoting mental health and wellbeing among their employees. A mentally healthy workforce is a more productive and engaged workforce. Moreover, addressing mental health in the workplace can help to reduce the stigma around mental health, and can create a more supportive workplace culture.

1. Implement a company-wide mental health strategy
2. Establish clear communication channels
3. Encourage a healthy lifestyle
4. Promote a supportive environment
5. Educate employees on mental health

1. Implement a company-wide mental health strategy

Mental health is a big issue for businesses and one that is often overlooked. In a recent poll, 23% of employees said that they had suffered from a mental health problem in the past year, with 7% saying that they had been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

The cost of mental health to businesses is estimated to be £1,300 per employee, per year. This includes absenteeism, presenteeism (when employees are at work but not productive), and staff turnover.

There are a number of things that businesses can do to support their employees’ mental health.

Firstly, it’s important to have a clear and comprehensive mental health policy in place. This should outline what support is available to employees and how to access it.

Secondly, businesses should provide training for managers on how to identify and support employees with mental health problems.

Thirdly, businesses should create an open and supportive culture where employees feel able to speak up about mental health issues.

There are a number of ways to do this, such as introducing flexible working policies, offering mental health first aid training, and providing access to employee assistance programmes.

Fourthly, businesses should monitor and review their policies and procedures on a regular basis to ensure that they are effective and meet the needs of their employees.

Finally, businesses should make sure that they are signposting employees to relevant support services, such as counselling and therapy services, peer support groups, and helplines.

2. Establish clear communication channels

It’s no secret that the workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety for many of us. In fact, a recent study found that 61% of employees report feeling stressed at work, and a further 21% said they felt anxious. That’s why it’s so important for employers to establish clear communication channels when it comes to mental health.

Opening up about mental health can be tough, but it’s an important first step in getting the support you need. Employers should create an environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health, whether that’s through one-on-one meetings, employee assistance programs, or online resources.

It’s also important to remember that not everyone experiences mental health in the same way. What works for one person might not work for another, so it’s important to have a range of support options available.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few things you can do to support your employees’ mental health:

– Encourage employees to take breaks during the day, both to relax and to moving their bodies.

– Promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements where possible.

– Make sure your team members have the resources they need to do their job well, including access to mental health services.

– Encourage employees to speak up if they’re struggling, and provide them with support and resources to get help.

It’s important to remember that mental health is something we all have, and it’s okay to not be okay. By establishing clear communication channels and supporting employees in their mental health journey, we can create a more positive and productive workplace for everyone.

3. Encourage a healthy lifestyle

It’s important for employers to encourage a healthy lifestyle for their employees, both for the company’s and the employees’ sake. A healthy lifestyle can lead to improved mental health, increased productivity, and decreased absences. Here are a few ways employers can encourage a healthy lifestyle:

Promote healthy eating by offering healthy food options in the workplace cafeteria or vending machines, or providing subsidies for employees who buy healthy food;

Encourage employees to be active by starting a corporate fitness challenge, organizing intramural sports teams, or offering discounts at local gyms;

Offer stress-reduction initiatives like employee assistance programs, on-site massages, or yoga classes;

Allow employees to use their flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for preventive care and health club memberships;

Provide smoking cessation programs or offer discounts on health insurance premiums for employees who quit smoking.

When it comes to encouraging a healthy lifestyle, employers should tailor their approach to meet the needs of their employees. What works for one company might not work for another, so it’s important to find what works best for your workplace.

4. Promote a supportive environment

A supportive environment is one in which employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns and feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously. Promoting such an environment requires a commitment from management to create an open and inclusive culture.

There are a number of things management can do to promote a supportive environment:

– Talk openly about mental health and break down the stigma around it. This can be done through internal communications, company-wide events, or training sessions.

– Encourage employees to speak up if they’re struggling. This could involve having an anonymous reporting system for mental health concerns, or simply making it clear that employees won’t be penalized for speaking up.

– Provide mental health resources and support. This could include an employee assistance program, access to therapy, or educational resources on mental health.

– Create a healthy workplace culture. This means ensuring that employees have a good work-life balance, are not overloaded with work, and feel like they are part of a supportive team.

By taking these steps, management can create an environment in which employees feel comfortable talking about mental health and know that their concerns will be taken seriously. This, in turn, can help to prevent mental health problems from developing or worsening, and create a happier and more productive workplace.

5. Educate employees on mental health

As the employer, it is your responsibility to educate your employees on mental health and how to maintain good mental health. Here are five ways to do so:

1. Promote a healthy work-life balance

Encourage your employees to take regular breaks, use their vacation days, and disconnect from work when they’re off the clock. A healthy work-life balance is essential for good mental health.

2. Make it okay to talk about mental health

Create an open and accepting environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health with you or with a supervisor. Let them know that it’s okay to ask for help when they’re struggling.

3. Offer support

If an employee is dealing with a mental health issue, offer them support and resources. This could include paid time off, access to counseling or therapy, or flexible work arrangements.

4. Encourage physical activity

Encourage your employees to get regular exercise. Physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.

5. Educate employees on mental health

Provide educational resources on mental health, such as informational articles, videos, or webinars. This will help employees better understand mental health conditions and how to take care of their mental health.

Mental health is often thought of as an individual responsibility, but employers also play a critical role in promoting and supporting employees’ mental health. By taking a proactive approach to mental health in the workplace, employers can create a culture of open dialogue around mental health, help employees feel supported, and make a real difference in promoting employee well-being.