What is the Importance of Mental Wellbeing at the Workplace?
Mental health exposure has been steadily growing in recent years as more and more people open up about their struggles with anxiety and depression.
It’s a good thing, too! While we may not all need advance assistance, the fact is that we have had moments that have left us feeling overwhelmed and anxious, days where we just didn’t want to step out of bed.
How Can Workplaces Prioritize Employees’ Mental Health?
While there’s no single cause for these issues, it is clear that many people are struggling in silence, not knowing where to turn for help or even feeling afraid to speak up. That’s why we must support each other and find ways to cope with our mental health challenges.
This piece discusses how organizations can work with their teams to create a safe workplace culture.
a) Creating a More Inclusive Organizational Culture
When a company seeks to build inclusion into its corporate culture, everyone must have space to feel comfortable, safe, and respected. It can be achieved by creating a welcoming environment that fosters open dialogue and the freedom to express oneself.
Employees should feel free to ask questions and seek guidance on any matter they might face or consider challenging. They should also be encouraged to bring up concerns about workplace practices or how policies are applied in their personal lives. It can be viewed as a way of empowering workers.
b) Burnout Prevention Policies
Burnout is a serious concern for many employees, especially those who work in fast-paced environments. While a single factor does not cause burnout, it can be worsened by workplace policies that do not support employees’ mental health.
Here are some ways to prevent burnout:
Add days to your calendar to take care of yourself: If you feel burned out, make sure you have time to take care of yourself and recharge your batteries. It could include going on a walk or taking a nap.
Create stigma-free mental health leaves: When employees need to take time off due to an illness or injury, they should be able to do so without fear of discrimination or reprisal from their employer. It can help protect both the employee and the employer from lawsuits if something goes wrong during the leave period. It also allows employees experiencing mental health issues to feel more comfortable seeking help from their managers.
Have quality conversations with your employees: Encourage open discussions about what’s going well in the workplace, what isn’t working as well as it should, and how the company can improve things moving forward. It will create better communication between managers and employees, making it easier for everyone to work together toward common goals.
c) Sustainable Business Models for Mental Health
Businesses are starting to realize that supporting the mental health of their employees is a win-win situation. It’s one of the most important things they can do to keep employees motivated, engaged, and productive—and as companies grow and get more diverse, it’s even more critical.
Here are some sustainable business models that support mental health:
1) Employee Wellness Programs:
It may seem like an obvious place to start, but many companies don’t take the time or energy to create a comprehensive wellness program for their employees. Employee wellness programs offer employees access to tools and resources, such as yoga classes and meditation apps, that can help them cope with stress at work and improve their overall health.
2) Workplace Wellness Rooms:
Another way to support mental health is by providing workspaces where employees can decompress from the demands of their jobs or take time out for themselves. Many companies have started investing in these spaces so workers can unwind before returning to work.
d) Mental Health Benefits from Flexibility and Freedom
A recent study found that workers who use coworking spaces report better mental health than those who don’t. The study looked at data from two-thirds of the adult population in the U.S. and found that people who used coworking spaces were more likely to report higher levels of happiness and well-being and lower levels of stress and anxiety than those who did not.
The analysis suggests that coworking spaces help improve mental health by providing an environment where people can meet new people, connect with other professionals, and make new friends outside their usual social circles.
In addition, coworking spaces are a great way to find professional fulfillment. They allow for flexibility and freedom, which are essential for mental health in today’s society. Finding the perfect balance between freedom and structure can be tricky, but when you work in an environment where you can create your schedule and set your own rules, it becomes easier to find that balance.
Final Thoughts
If you want your employees to be happy and productive, you must ensure they get the mental health care they need.
If you have an employee who needs extra support, help them! If someone in your office is having trouble handling stress at work, let them know you are there for them! And if someone isn’t doing well mentally—whether it be because of their job or something else—make sure to give them the resources they need to get back on track.
Their level of happiness evaluates every employee’s mental health. It means that to keep your employees happy and productive, you should ensure they’re having a good time at work.
