While many people might misunderstand that maintaining a positive workplace is crucial for their employees’ mental health, they fail to realize that an employee’s productivity influences their overall workplace productivity and communication.
How Common are Workplace Mental Illnesses?
According to a 2014 report by TNS, about 90% of employees believe that mental health is a substantial issue for their business. However, only 50% believe that the employees in their workplace have strong mental health. Challenges regarding mental health are the norm amongst employees of different professional titles and levels. According to a recent survey, 76% of employees reported having at least one symptom of a threatening mental illness due to their work pressure.
Some of the most common mental health issues at work include depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Pricewaterhouse Cooper’s research shows that every dollar an individual spends to create mentally healthy workplace results in a 2.3 investment return. Furthermore, research conducted by Beyond Blue reveals that organizations with a positive perspective on mental health concerns have reported higher rates of workplace engagement, increased productivity, and are likelier to recruit more talented individuals.
What Ways Can You Adopt to Create a Healthy Workplace Environment?
There are certain ways you can adopt to create a healthy workplace environment. Some of them are:
1. Reduce the Stigma
Discussing the subject of mental health was always a “taboo” in certain communities for the past few decades. However, one of the best ways you can make your work to be more inclusive is by talking about self-care, and stress management in meetings, emails, etc. Reducing the stigma around the topic of “mental health” can make the employees more comfortable to speak up on the emotional issues they might be facing without fearing being called “crazy.”
2. Promote Wellness as a Priority
Several researchers proved that employees are likely to perform well in their jobs if they have good mental health. To promote wellness as a priority amongst employees, a wellness program can also be included which can assist in promoting improved disease management, and a mentally healthier workforce.
3. Promote a Healthy Work/Life Balance
Promoting a healthy work/life balance does not mean that an employee shouldn’t complete his work in its entirety. Rather, it means that an employee shouldn’t be burdened with more work than his capacity can hold, which might lead to an initial burnout, stress, or anxiety. Employees should be allowed to take short breaks in between their hectic work schedules. Also, employers need to realize that not all employees are required to respond to emails outside of their work hours. Employees should be encouraged to maintain a full and rich life outside of their professional life and spend some quality time with their loved ones as this will be better for their mental and emotional well-being.
4. Encouraging Peer Support
Oftentimes, employees might not feel comfortable speaking to their bosses about the mental health issues they might be facing. This is where peer support comes into the picture. Encouraging peer support would allow staff members to speak and support one another without getting the management involved. This would allow an employee to discuss the issues they might be facing in regards to their mental health, and their peers might encourage them to seek proper treatment and professional help.
5. Tips on How to Show Your Support
Do’s
Do say:
How are you feeling?
You seem different, not like yourself. Would you like to talk about it?
If you are not comfortable talking about it, is there someone else you can talk to?
Is there anything <I/we> can do to help?
It seems you are going through a difficult time? Can I help you in any way?
I am worried about your safety. Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?
(It is ok to ask, asking can actually prevent suicide)
Don’ts
Avoid saying:
how are you? without really meaning it
What’s wrong with you? You are acting weird or crazy.
Everyone has their good and bad days, don’t worry.
Don’t worry about it, it will pass.
Don’t be negative, cheer up and you’ll be fine
You have the same <diagnosis> as <name>
(one should never assume someone has a mental health issue as someone else)
Seek immediate assistance if you, a friend, co-worker or family member is in danger of harming themselves. You can call a crisis line or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).