Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

Have you ever considered that some of your fellow employees may be battling depression, anxiety, or even just chronically stressed out? It is important to take notice because while it may not be evident that some employees could be going through mental health issues because the symptoms may be hidden or can be explained away, it is nevertheless important to take some measures that can support and improve mental health in the workplace.

One of the reasons why it is hard to tell that someone is battling a mental illness is because they may feel reluctant to discuss their struggles, fearing that they will be stigmatized. This makes it even more important to create supportive workplace practices by providing resources and creating a culture that enhances employees’ psychological wellbeing and encourages mental health. So how do you implement this?

Provide Mental Health Support and Care

Are employees provided with adequate benefit coverage for them to access a mental health service? If not, it’s time to start. It is great that many corporate health benefit programs emphasize on physical health, offering benefits that range from prescription drug coverage to dental plans. However, most omit mental health services from their health benefit packages ignoring the detrimental effects that mental illness causes on physical health as well as the employees’ duties. If staff lack mental health support, then they may become less productive, focused and engaged causing their work to suffer as a result. Therefore, facilitating access to mental health services and resources will go a long way in helping them feel supported and encouraged to improve their mental health.

Talk Openly

To fight against mental illness stigma in the workplace, stop treating mental disorders and health issues as a taboo and rather, treat it like any other illness. Speak candidly about it whether you are sharing about an article, personal experience or a show that relates to mental health as this will drive home the fact that there is no shame in going through mental illnesses. Keep this conversation going, including all levels of staff, and adopt an open door policy to ensure your employees feel supported and free to talk about their difficulties and needs when it comes to their mental health issues.

Encourage Mental Health Days Off

The practice of requesting a doctors’ note to form a legitimate reason for days off must stop. The mind needs a break now and again and allowing your workers to miss work to recharge will do wonders in helping them avoid serious health issues and in feeling supported and trusted.

Pay Attention and Offer Help

Keep an eye out to spot changes in employees’ behaviour such as low mood, and irritability among others and ask if they are alright. Remind them that you can offer help and create a culture of trust so that employees can open up about their struggles.