Introduction

Mental health at work is about how people feel, think, and interact with others while they're on the job. It's all about their emotions, thoughts, and relationships in the workplace.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety do cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. However, they also discovered that for every $1 invested in treating these mental health issues, there's a $4 return in better health and productivity.

WHO reports show that over half of the global population is currently employed, and 15% of adults of working age have a mental disorder.

On average, almost every employee spends 9 to 10 hours daily at the workplace. Employee mental health and wellness programs will not only benefit employees but also give away positive outcomes for the organisation as a whole. Studies suggest that healthier employees are more productive.

In 2022, the WHO’s World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for all reinforced the workplace as a crucial area requiring significant improvements in mental health support. 

Feeling good at work is good for business! A big organisation called the American Heart Association released a report titled "Mental Health: A Workforce Crisis, which says taking care of employees' mental health is important.  Here are some benefits of supporting employee mental health:

Happier workers do better work: When employees feel good mentally, they can focus more, get more engaged in their jobs, and get things done faster.

People stick around longer: Businesses that care about mental health have happier employees who are less likely to quit. This saves the company money on hiring and training new people.

Saves money on healthcare: By helping employees deal with stress and other mental health issues, companies can avoid expensive health problems down the line. This saves money for both the company and the employees themselves.¹

Mental health risks at work can include:²

• Not using your skills enough or not having the right skills for your job
• Having too much work or working with not enough staff
• Working long hours, at odd times, or with little flexibility
• Not having control over your workload or how your job is set up
• Working in unsafe or uncomfortable conditions
• Being in a work culture that allows bad behaviour
• Not getting much support from coworkers or having a boss who's too strict
• Dealing with violence, harassment, or bullying
• Facing discrimination or feeling left out
• Not being clear about what your job involves
• Not being promoted enough or being promoted too much
• Worrying about job security, not being paid enough, or not getting enough chances to advance your career
• Juggling work and home responsibilities

Ways to support employee mental health at the workplace

Here are some ways companies can support employee mental health:³

Creating a supportive culture

• Open communication is key: Talking about mental health shouldn't be taboo at work. Companies can promote an ecosystem where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental well-being. Creating workshops or training sessions to help employees understand mental health better and learn how to support colleagues going through tough times.
• Building a buddy system: Sometimes, having someone to talk to can make a big difference. Companies can implement a buddy system where employees are paired up to check in on each other regularly. This can be a great way to offer support and build stronger relationships within the team.

Making accessible resources

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are there to help: Many companies offer EAPs, confidential programs that provide counselling services, mental health resources, and support for employees facing personal or work-related challenges^.4,5 If your company offers an EAP, make sure everyone knows about it and how to access it.
• Creating e-resources: Creating a mental health resource hub which can be a one-stop solution for information on self-help strategies, local support services, and even mental health apps that employees can use.

Mental health policies and procedures

• Clear policies and procedures: Having clear policies and procedures in place shows the company's commitment to supporting employee mental health. Communicate how the organisation can support employee mental health. These policies should detail confidentiality measures, potential workplace accommodations, and the steps employees can take to get help or report concerns.
• Equipping managers and HR with the skills to navigate mental health concerns with sensitivity and effectiveness.

Promoting self-care and resilience

• Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the workday. This can help them recharge and refocus, leading to better productivity.
• Exercise your way to a healthier mind: Physical activity is a great way to manage stress and improve mental wellbeing. Companies can offer on-site fitness classes or encourage participation in local walks or runs.
• Mindfulness matters: Techniques like meditation or mindfulness exercises can help employees learn to manage stress and improve their overall mental well-being.
• Learning to cope with work stress: Companies can host workshops on stress management techniques or time management strategies, to help employees learn how to better cope with work-related pressure.⁶

Monitoring and feedback

• Feedback: Regularly ask employees for their feedback to see how the company's mental health initiatives are working to identify areas for improvement and ensure the programs are meeting the needs of the employees.
• Measure the effectiveness of mental health programs by looking at changes in employee absence and attrition rate. This will show if these initiatives are helping them to keep staff and improve the overall health of the organisation. Happy and healthy employees are more likely to stay with the company, which benefits everyone.

FAQs

What are proactive measures for mental health?

Proactive steps involve preventing mental health issues through various tools and strategies, such as regular practices like meditation and early intervention to detect symptoms before they worsen, like screening for depression.

What are ways your company could better support employee's mental health and well-being?

To better support mental health, it's crucial to prioritise it equally with physical health. Creating an ecosystem where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health. For instance, ensuring managers demonstrate positive well-being behaviours and actively combat stigma can help encourage openness and support

How can we proactively work towards mental wellness?

To enhance your mental well-being, prioritise social connections, engage in physical activity, communicate with others, engage your senses, practise relaxation techniques, allocate time off, maintain a brain-healthy diet, and ensure adequate sleep.

Why is mental health important in the workplace?

Effective support for mental health in the workplace is crucial because, without it, mental health conditions can impact confidence, productivity, attendance, and the ability to obtain or retain employment.

How do you maintain mental health in the workplace?

To preserve your mental well-being at work, ensure you take regular breaks, such as reclaiming your lunch break, organising social activities like picnics, engaging in group activities, and setting personal challenges. Make sure to split your time fairly between work and personal life, and clearly separate work hours from relaxation time at home. Keeping a to-do list can also help manage tasks effectively. 

What is the well-being of employees?

Employee well-being refers to the overall health of your employees, encompassing their mental, physical, emotional, and economic well-being. It's influenced by various factors including relationships with coworkers, personal decisions, and access to tools and resources.

Summary

Keeping your employees mentally healthy isn't just a nice thing to do, it's good for business too! Happy and healthy employees are more productive and less likely to leave the company. There are numerous ways by which businesses can support mental health at work. Create a comfortable ecosystem where employees can openly discuss their mental health challenges. Offer confidential resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counselling and support. Set clear processes for getting help and train managers to guide employees to these resources effectively. Finally, encourage employees to take care of themselves by taking breaks, exercising, and learning stress-management techniques. By taking these steps, your company can show its commitment to employee well-being, leading to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce for everyone!