Conversations about mental health continue to be important whether it relates to home life, school, or elsewhere in our communities.
The workplace is no exception.
And there are several issues that many employees struggle with every day. Whether it’s stress, bullying, job dissatisfaction, substance abuse, insomnia or burnout, inadequate mental health support leads to higher healthcare costs and absenteeism, costing companies billions of dollars each year.
In workplaces where mental health supports are available and utilized, we have seen a decrease in disability costs, an increase in employee morale and improved productivity.
Signs of a healthy workplace include having an awareness of what you enjoy about your job, understanding what needs are not being met and how to change that, and knowing the skills you want to expand on. It also includes balancing career goals with activities outside of the workplace – maybe education or volunteer work to hone your skills and increase your opportunities.
Below are five ways that managers and employees can improve workplace mental health.
For Management:
- Make sure there are adequate safety policies in place and that these policies are openly communicated to employees
- Create objectives for your employees that are clear and manageable
- Have a career development program in place for employees wanting to diversify their experience
- Be flexible with schedules, tasks and involve employees in decision-making when possible
- Have an Employee Assistance Program that you can refer employees to for various concerns (whether or not it is work-related)
For Employees:
- Set realistic goals
- Practice efficiency with time and workload
- Learn to prioritize goals for the day, and be flexible with unexpected changes
- Take breaks
- Be mindful of the task at hand
While mental health continues to be a global topic of discussion, implementing better practices starts in our communities and in our families. And a healthy workplace begins with all of us.
Forbes.com. (2017). Forbes Welcome. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2015/04/09/how-to-foster-good-mental-health-in-the-workplace/#4a6eb96513dd [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017].