How To Support Mental Health in The Workplace

Your employees are your greatest asset as a business, which is why you want them at their best. The working environment significantly contributes to their productivity, which is why it should be a priority. One of the ways to do this is to ensure mental health is a consideration. 

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When the employees are mentally in a good space, they can focus on their work and the company’s goals. They can also work together to achieve them because they can communicate and develop solutions. 

Here are measures you can take to support mental health in the workspace:

 

Create Awareness

There is a lot of stigma around mental health in society. Hence, it may make employees struggling with mental health feel uncomfortable sharing their journey. However, much of it comes from the lack of knowledge and understanding, which is where you come in. 

You can organize sessions or a seminar to create awareness. It will be helpful for the staff to learn the importance of taking care of their mental health and gain the tools to do so. They will also learn how to relate with their colleagues that struggle with it. 

 

Train the Management

It is essential that the managers are trained on how to handle everyone but especially those that struggle with mental illness. Giving them the tools they need will make it easier on their relationship with the employees, and Ross Mckenzie is a great resource.

Because they are also in direct contact with the staff, they will be able to notice if one of them is struggling mentally. If so, they can encourage them to get help and support them. 

 

Encourage a Work-Life Balance

With the pressure to deliver, employees might work extra hours late into the night. They may also choose to work on weekends to meet targets. However, this will only slow down their progress. 

Taking breaks is vital for the mind to relax and reduce stress. It also helps prevent burnout. Create a tradition such as no employee remains in the office during lunch breaks. You can also limit the maximum working hours, especially for those working remotely.  

Investing their time and energy to grow other areas of their lives, such as hobbies and time with their loved ones, is crucial. Having that balance helps them recharge and be more productive at work. 

Create time for some fun activities as well. You can arrange an out-of-office team-building activity or team challenges that are not work-related. It will create a sense of belonging and help them communicate, which is good for mental well-being. 

 

Provide Resources

You can support your staff by providing resources to help them with their mental health. 

• Include mental health services in the employee’s medical covers. 
• Provide an employee assistance program.
• Establish an anonymous way for employees to report incidents related to mental health issues. It could be a form on your website that allows people to report anonymously.
• Have flexible working hours opportunities for those who need it.
• Have a room in the office that the employees can use to take a break and meditate. 
• Include a gym. Working out relieves a lot of stress and contributes to the employees’ physical health.