These days, we are bound by strict deadlines and our phones are always buzzing with notifications about upcoming meetings. We often glorify working overtime to complete our tasks, or to make some last-minute changes to a presentation because the client wants it done ASAP.
But at what cost? Data shows that 15% of working-age adults have mental disorders. As we strive to meet our professional goals, we often fail to realize that our mental health is going for a toss.
A supportive environment at the workplace makes it easy for individuals to thrive professionally and personally.
It is the employer’s responsibility to create a working environment that is supportive and prioritizes the employees’ mental well-being. In this article, we will discuss some techniques companies should adopt to ensure good mental health in the workplace. Read on to find out.
Why Should Companies Focus on Mental Health at the Workplace?
Have a detailed look at the reasons why it is important to ensure good mental health at the workplace:
- Employee well-being: A supportive work environment makes sure that employees get a safe space to work.
- Better productivity: Employees who are doing well mentally are expected to exhibit better resilience. This, in turn, enhances their productivity.
- Enhanced creativity: A positive work environment fosters a culture of innovation and creativity since employees find it easier to share their ideas and take risks.
On top of it all, companies should understand that it is their ethical responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy working space for their employees. In accordance with this, companies need to adopt some strategies, which are discussed in the next section.
Key Strategies that Employers Need to Consider
Here are some strategies that employers need to consider to maintain good mental health at the workplace:
- Open communication: There should be room for open communication. Employees should be able to share their concerns openly, and the company should proactively address any issue that an employee might be facing.Having a space that is open to communication also makes it easy for individuals to seek support without hesitation whenever they want.
- Work-life balance: With more and more remote working opportunities, it is becoming difficult for employees to maintain a boundary between work and their personal lives.Striking the right balance between personal and professional commitments allows individuals to maintain their overall well-being. It helps reduce stress, enhance job satisfaction, and avoid burnout.
- Training and awareness generation: Conducting regular training and awareness generation sessions can have a positive impact on one’s mental well-being. These sessions can empower individuals to recognize the challenges associated with mental health and seek support whenever needed. Training and awareness sessions help remove stigmas associated with mental illnesses.This way, individuals can identify any underlying issue and come forward to seek support without any hesitation. Always remember- a stitch in time saves nine!
- Technology for mental health: By incorporating the use of technology, companies can promote mental health in the workplace. Organizations can deploy various applications, virtual wellness programs, and online counseling services to make various services and resources accessible to employees.
- Mental well-being policies: Companies should learn to prioritize employee’s mental health and create a positive work environment. This not only enhances productivity but also improves satisfaction and retention rates.
Building a Care Culture
In shaping the culture of a company, leadership plays a crucial role. When leaders emphasize the issue of mental wellness, share their own experiences, and model healthy behaviors like respecting work boundaries, taking regular breaks, etc., it sets a powerful example.
Mental health initiatives should not just be siloed within the jurisdiction of the HR team. Every leader across every level of the organization should support mental wellness so that employees feel cared for and it becomes easier to maintain good mental health at the workplace.
Conclusion
To ensure good mental health at the workplace, it is important that employers create a good workplace culture. Employers should try to build a culture where employees feel empowered and valued. To create a supportive workplace, employers should conduct wellness programs and employee assistance programs, and have a robust mental health policy.
Employers that adopt these techniques can boost the productivity of employees, and minimize attrition, thereby embarking on the organization’s success as a whole.