Life can be hectic and busy and it is sometimes difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Mental health, however, is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore strategies that employers and employees alike can use to create a work culture that helps promote positive mental health in the workplace. By creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive, employers are taking important steps to maintain a healthy workplace mindset.
1. Kick-Start Your Workplace Mental Health
Many workplaces have come to recognize just how important mental health is for individuals and their respective teams. But putting an effective strategy into place is not always such an easy task – so let’s assume you are looking at kick-starting your workplace’s mental health.
The first step is to establish a culture of open dialogue and allow members of your organization to feel like they can communicate with one another freely. Promote a sense of transparency and camaraderie by engaging in activities that everyone in the team can enjoy.
Get Every Employee Involved
- Engage everyone in the conversations around mental health.
- Implement team-building activities such as yoga classes or lunchtime runs.
- Encourage employees to volunteer in the community together.
Establish Resources
Make sure to educate members of your organization on mental health so people can play a proactive part in their own mental wellbeing.
- Establish mentorship programs.
- Organize regular check-ins with employees to discuss their mental health.
- Share resources on mental health with colleagues through posters, emails et cetera.
Don’t forget to take time for yourself too. Involve yourself in creative activities or exercise, set up a self-care routine and collaborate with other organizations that are also invested in individuals’ mental health.
2. Easily Incorporate Mental Health Strategies into the Workplace
Mental health in the workplace should not be taken lightly. Providing an environment in which staff are expected to thrive requires both a comprehensive approach and an understanding of the inner workings of employees. This article presents several strategies to , and provide the best mental health support to employees possible.
Create Mental Health Awareness
Starting off with raising awareness for mental health in the workplace is an important point in implementing any mental health strategies. As mental health issues such as depression and anxiety still carry a stigma, especially in professional environments, it is necessary to ensure that everyone in the company understands the importance of looking after their mental health. A great way to do this is through well-placed posters and accessible literature around the office, as well as routine talks and activities in the workplace.
Implement Specialised Mental Health Programs
Providing ongoing support and programs for employees when it comes to mental health can be beneficial in ensuring their wellbeing. Examples of this include:
- Wellness days in the office for relaxation, mindfulness and therapy sessions.
- Mental health first aid training for employees.
- Emotional intelligence workshops, allowing staff to manage and understand their emotions better.
Be Active in Reaching Out
It is important to remain proactive and reach out if staff are displaying signs of mental health distress. Not everyone is comfortable enough to reach out for help themselves, and so it is the responsibility of the employer to check in from time to time. This could look like weekly catch ups with staff, which covers not just their work but their overall wellbeing. Doing this can highlight any mental health issues staff may be struggling with, and provide the right support and resources they may need.
Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
Having mental health resources available is a sure way to let staff know you care about their investment in their mental health. Putting up brochures and making sure all contact info for mental health professionals and helplines is easily accessible is essential. Even offering to cover the costs of therapy and personal development activities if necessary can make staff feel valued and ensure they can access the support they need.
3. Developing a Healthy Workplace Mindset
Creating a healthy workplace starts from the top down. If management and higher ups take a vested interest, then everyone else in the office will more easily adapt to this mindset. Here are a few ideas on how to cultivate a healthy workplace mindset:
- Encourage Positive Actions – Encourage positive actions at your workplace from upper management to those on the ground floor. Celebrate small victories, foster collaboration, and think outside the box. Doing this will help your team members stay enthusiastic and motivated.
- Encourage Health Practices – Encourage healthy lifestyle choices by offering a healthy alternative to the traditional “brain food” snacks in the break room. Move for time-outs during long days rather than sitting at your desk. Promote flexibility, with employees having the opportunity to move around or take a walk to help keep them energized.
- Welcome Feedback – Allow for open and honest dialogue between managers and employees when it comes to work-related matters. Create outlets where employees can make suggestions, give feedback, and share their opinions without fear of repercussion.
- Promote a Team Mentality – Foster a team mentality by introducing team exercises such as weekly meetings or “team-building days” to foster collaboration and trust. It’s important to emphasize the importance of each individual’s contribution and how it impacts the group as a whole.
By being aware of the needs of their employees, management can cultivate a healthier workplace. The workplace should be a support system – for both managers and employees – that encourages and supports a healthy, positive work environment.
Celebrations for career milestones can be a great way to show that the company values its employees. Organize team outings, potluck meals, or even small awards for those achieving great things or going the extra mile.
Investing in workplace wellness can help create a healthy workplace culture. This can range from offering seminars, to bringing in specialized mentors, to hosting workshops geared toward helping employees live a healthier lifestyle.
Encourage a Sense of Ownership – Encourage employees to take ownership of their work. This keeps them engaged and motivated while feeling a strong sense of accomplishment. Teams should work together to come up with solutions to any workplace issues or challenges they may face.
4. Integrating Mental Health into Your Work day
Sometimes it can be stressful to juggle work and life responsibilities at the same time. Integrating mental health into your workday can help you manage stress, stay productive, and prioritize your wellbeing during your time at work. Here are a few ways you can start incorporating mental health into your workday:
- Prioritize breaks: Taking a few short breaks throughout your workday can help you rest your mind and body. Whether you step outside for some fresh air or enjoy a quick snack, your physical and mental health will thank you.
- Set specific goals: Setting manageable goals for yourself gives you something to work towards and increases productivity. Creating a plan for yourself also helps ensure that anything you do is measured and has purpose.
- Practice mindful meditation: During your breaks or while you work, try taking a few minutes to clear your mind and relax. Mindful meditation can be a great way to de-stress and take a pause from the hustle and bustle of the day.
- Limit unhealthy habits: Take the time to evaluate your unhealthy habits and think of ways to break them. Too much caffeine or sugar can be disruptive for your nervous system and can lead to an increase in stress levels.
Engaging in self-care activities is important to make sure you’re managing your mental health. Simple habits like drinking enough water, getting plenty of rest, and doing exercise regularly, can help strengthen your ability to cope with stress and fatigue.
Try to have a positive outlook when it comes to your work. Even in difficult situations, searching for a potential positive outcome can help you reframe the scenario.
During the course of your work, acknowledge the progress you are making. Forget perfectionism and give yourself credit for the hard work you put in. Celebrating your own successes can go a long way in boosting your mood.
By now, you have the tools and resources that you need to promote better mental health in the workplace and help create a healthy mindset in yourself and others! Together, we can foster an inclusive and supportive working environment—one where employees feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings and can feel confident in their mental health and well-being.
