Supporting Employee Mental Health: A Guide for Modern Workplaces
We recently acknowledged mental health awareness week last month and International Mental Health Day on the 10th of October.
These last few years have been challenging for many. Covid, natural disasters and a tough economic climate here in NZ.
These changes have taken their toll on all of us, particularly in terms of the impact on our mental health. With the ongoing changes in organisations, many employees are also facing challenges in the workplace, requiring employers to be more proactive in supporting mental well-being.
This blog will explore the importance of mental health in the workplace and practical steps employers can take to foster a mentally healthy environment.
Why Mental Health Matters
Employee mental health isn't just a personal issue—it's a business issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. We know when employees are mentally healthy, they’re more engaged, productive, and loyal. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism (working while unwell), and higher turnover rates.
Recognising Common Stressors
In the workplace, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to mental health struggles, including:
Workplace Culture: An unhealthy or high-pressure culture can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or burnout.
Workload Management: Overwork, unclear job expectations, or inadequate resources to do the job can lead to stress.
Isolation: With hybrid work becoming more common, employees may feel disconnected from colleagues, affecting their mental well-being.
Job Insecurity: The fear of losing a job or being constantly under review can trigger stress and anxiety especially in the current market.
Work-Life Imbalance: The blurring of boundaries between work and home life can affect mental health, especially with the rise of hybrid work models.
How Employers Can Support Employee Mental Health
Create an Open Dialogue Encourage a culture where mental health is openly discussed, and employees feel comfortable seeking help without fear of stigma. Leaders should model this behaviour by acknowledging stress, discussing mental health openly, and encouraging employees to prioritise their well-being.
Provide Access to Mental Health Resources Offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), volunteer days, or mental health days is encouraged. Ensuring employees have access to virtual therapy or counselling services, especially in remote setups, can go a long way in making support accessible.
Promote Work-Life Balance Encourage breaks, discourage after-hours communication, and foster flexible work schedules. This demonstrates respect for employees' personal time, helping to prevent burnout and fatigue.
Train Managers to Recognise Signs Equip managers with the skills and knowledge to identify early signs of mental health issues in employees. Through workshops or training, managers can become more empathetic and effective at providing support to those who may be struggling.
Create a Mentally Healthy Physical and Virtual Environment Whether your team works in the office, from home, or both, it’s important to maintain environments that are conducive to mental wellness. In physical offices, ensure that employees have access to quiet spaces for breaks. In remote environments, encourage structured time off and provide tools that help employees manage stress and workload.
Foster Social Connections Combat isolation by promoting social interactions through team-building exercises, virtual coffee breaks, or in-office activities. Social support at work is an important buffer against stress and contributes to a positive workplace environment.
The Role of Leadership in Mental Health Initiatives
Leaders play a crucial role in prioritising mental health within an organisation. When executives and managers actively support mental health initiatives, it sets the tone for the entire workforce. Leaders should:
Regularly check in with their teams, offering support and understanding.
Encourage open feedback on work conditions and mental health resources.
Lead by example by balancing their own workload and taking mental health days when necessary.
Final thoughts
Supporting mental health in the workplace isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. By fostering a mentally healthy workplace, companies can not only improve employee well-being but also enhance overall productivity, creativity, and retention. The key is to take a proactive approach and ensure that mental health remains an ongoing priority by leading by example.
If you think you might need some help in your organisation, then reach out. We would love to hear from you.
