In recent years, mental health in the workplace has become an increasingly topical issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Poor employee mental health can lead to absenteeism and increased staff turnover, which have a significant impact on the success of a company. It is therefore essential to cultivate a mentally healthier workplace that supports and promotes good mental health and wellness practices amongst employees.

Foster a more supportive and inclusive work environment

The first step towards the creation of a mentally healthy workplace is to foster a work environment that is both supportive and inclusive. In order for this to be achieved, a workplace culture should be encouraged that values diversity, equality, and inclusion, where employees feel sufficiently safe and supported to be able to express themselves without fear of judgement, discrimination, or punishment.

Employers can achieve this by:

• Providing mental health regular training to employees and managers and creating a culture of openness and acceptance of mental health issues.
•  Encouraging employees to take enough breaks and prioritise self-care, by utilising techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, and stress management.
•  Encouraging social activities amongst employees outside of the work setting, in order to foster a sense of community and support.

Reduce work-related stress

Work-related stress is amongst the leading causes of poor mental health in the workplace and should be an area of focus for change. According to a recent survey on mental health in the workplace, over 40% of workers reported their job to be stressful.

To reduce work-related stress, employers can:

• Ensure employees are provided with clear job descriptions and performance expectations, and that when these expectations are exceeded, employees are recognised and awarded for doing so. Going “above and beyond” should be the exception, not an everyday expectation, in order to reduce pressure and stress.
• Allow employees to make use of flexible work arrangements, such as working from home, delegation of tasks, or working part-time.
• Encourage employees to take frequent breaks and guarantee that they may disconnect from work outside of office hours without risk of punishment or judgement.

Implement mental health policies and provide resources

Employers should implement mental health policies and provide supportive resources to employees who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Resources of this nature could include:

• Employee assistance programs that offer confidential services to employees, such as counselling, legal advice, and other therapy.
• The implementation of paid mental health days or flexible leave policies that allow employees to take time off when necessary.
•  Access to a variety of mental health resources such as online forums and websites, support groups, and self-help tools such as mental health apps.

Provide training and education

Employers can provide training and education to employees to assist in raising awareness of mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting positive mental health.

These training and education programmes could include:

• Regular training on the identification and management of mental health issues, for both managers and employees.
•  Access to mental health literacy programs to teach employees how to recognise signs of poor mental health in others, and how to support colleagues who are struggling.
• Providing resources for training in mindfulness and resilience to help employees manage their stress and gain tools to self-improve their overall mental wellbeing.

Conclusion

Creating a healthy environment is crucial in promoting good mental health in the workplace and improving the performance of a business. By generating and cultivating a supportive work environment, reducing work-related stress, implementing mental health policies, and providing mental health education, employers can create of prioritising mental health, which can lead to a happier and more productive workforce.