The workplace is often viewed as a highly professional environment where you must complete the tasks assigned to your role no matter the cost. Despite the air of responsibility, everyone in that space is still human. Uplift that aspect and highlight mental health.
Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Talks
Mental health is a pressing matter for many people, even outside the workplace. Life is complex and unpredictable and any situation can have short- or long-term effects on one’s well-being. While these conditions are not as easily spotted as physical sicknesses, they are still very prevalent and valid.
While more people are learning about mental health, there is still plenty of stigma to tackle. People who lack understanding may not be fully aware of the existence of depression, anxiety and other similar conditions. If they are aware, they may still be unsure of its implications for others.
There are also cases of discrimination when it comes to mental health. People short of compassion will downplay the conditions or have stereotypes about another’s struggles. They may even perpetrate false information to bury the issues people try to bring up.
Why Start the Discussion in the Workplace?
The workplace is among the most important spaces to discuss mental health issues, especially as they can affect each other.
Every working adult spends several hours at their job each day — staying in any environment for so long can influence you. The ideal workspace is healthy and supportive, with each person kind and respectful of others. It can contribute to a positive headspace and personal growth.
However, an environment filled with pressure and harassment can do the opposite and even do more damage in the long run. Creating a conversation about mental health can reduce those working conditions and promote kindness for one another.
Impact of Mental Health
The workspace can have a big impact on mental health, but the same can be said for the other way around. A lack of stability and soundness can influence the worker, their environment and even their industry.
1. On the Job Holder
A worker with a low mental health state has to face a variety of negative emotions. Whether the mood stems from being overworked or feeling left out at the workplace, they feel more self-conscious and troubled. As a result, they may encounter different conditions like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Burnout
- Insomnia
These mental health conditions can leave them feeling isolated from the rest of their peers. It also snowballs into a lack of confidence and motivation to carry out their responsibilities.
2. On the Workspace
Someone’s work ethic may depend on their capacity to perform different tasks. If they are experiencing mental health struggles, they can find it challenging to complete the tasks they are assigned. Those who force themselves to power through negativity may still find holes in their job performance and output.
Productivity aside, a person’s mental health can affect the rest of the office’s team morale. They may struggle with communicating and collaborating with other members, which inevitably affects the quality and speed of the workspace.
3. On the Industry
Mental health can also influence an employee's image of the industry they work in. Many people in the new generation seek a job where they will feel comfortable and secure. If an environment warrants a reputation for setting aside an employee’s well-being, people are unlikely to gain interest in that field.
For example, the health care field is a stressful environment. A lack of support for the mental well-being of workers in that setting can make the space seem less viable. Current personnel in the field may also feel less valued as a whole.
Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health is a relevant aspect of one’s well-being in the workplace. There are several ways to address it in the workplace, from incorporating different wellness initiatives to introducing supportive resources and personnel.
1. Establish a Safe Space
People may avoid talking about mental health in the workplace because they see it as a taboo topic. Those in leadership positions should strive to make the environment a welcoming place to talk about their state of mind.
One of the best ways to establish a safe space is to talk about your experience. Having even one person come forward normalizes the concept of talking about your problems and feelings. It also doesn’t force anyone to be vulnerable about their matters, unless they want to.
If judgmental people invalidate such feelings in the workplace, it’s important to correct that behavior publicly. Educate them about the mental health struggles one can experience. Showcasing allyship can open up doors for others to speak.
2. Share Mental Health Resources
Sharing tips and resources can provide additional information on mental health and wellness. Even those who are compassionate and understanding can still benefit from learning a few more facts, such as stereotypes to avoid and breathing techniques.
Mental health resources can also help employees feel seen, even if they don’t speak up. For example, sharing help about battling anxiety while meeting a deadline can validate their emotions when they encounter such a situation.
3. Set Check-In Meetings
Conducting one-on-ones can be a good way to check in with an employee and see their feelings. Just asking about their weekend or how they are doing can allow them to be honest and confide in you.
Group check-ins can also be helpful for tight-knit work teams. Remember that being overly positive or negative is a bad precedent. To be more neutral, just keep them as informal and relaxed as possible. Crack a couple of jokes as you ask each person for updates.
4. Provide Mental Health Days
Everyone needs a break for a mental health reset from time to time. A workplace should strive to provide those rest times when they can. For example, block off a free hour each Friday to give employees downtime. Vacation days dedicated to this rest are also ideal.
If you’re in a leadership position, take paid time off and share that it’s for mental health reasons. Some workers may still feel hesitant to call for time to recuperate, so take it upon yourself to demonstrate how acceptable a mental health leave is.
5. Check In with People’s Workload
Each employee should set out to complete the workload given to them. However, there may be times when they don’t have the mental capacity to take on certain tasks because of a personal event or being assigned way too much.
Communicate with each person to see how they’re doing with their responsibilities. If they’re overwhelmed, see what you can move around to ease the pressure on a person. Delegating what’s manageable can secure their mental health.
6. Arrange Wellness Activities
Talking about mental health can help with stress management. Creating wellness activities like workplace yoga or mindfulness seminars is eye-opening for struggling employees and brings the team closer together.
Consider making the participation voluntary. Some people in the workplace may cope better differently, so giving them freedom is key.
7. Call in for Suggestions
It’s good to bring initiatives into the workplace, but each group will need different approaches. Ask your team for ideas about what they need for their mental health. Their suggestions can help determine what would be beneficial for them.
The workers’ answers can also be an insight into the main points of their stressors. If they are requesting fewer meetings, reevaluate how you’re conducting them and change accordingly.
8. Practice Compassion
Addressing one’s mental health means understanding and extending compassion. Some employees may not deliver the same level of work. Instead of criticizing them, ask whether they need assistance and support them.
Look at each individual’s circumstances and see how you can help them. For example, if they are undergoing a rehabilitation program, being more tolerant of a few late minutes to work lets them know you have their back.
9. Have an On-Site Therapist
Some people just need to vent for their mental well-being. About 50% of U.S. adults are extremely or very comfortable discussing their mental health with a therapist. In contrast, only 19% of respondents in the same survey are comfortable confiding in someone they work with.
The presence of a counselor in the workplace may be more helpful for employees. Hire a mental health therapist who specializes in work-related incidents. Remember to check the credentials of the person you’re hiring.
10. Include Counseling in Insurance
Some people may be handling issues outside of the workplace. The best way to provide mental health support is to include counseling in employee insurance. Removing the financial burden of seeking help is empowering.
Be sure to check health insurance programs for seamless coverage. Counseling sessions can cost anywhere from $65-$250 per hour. Look for providers and recommend them to your workplace.
Benefits of Proactively Sparking Conversation
Recognizing people’s mental health in the workplace can make a difference. By safeguarding people’s wellness, you empower them to have a stronger mind and emotional fortitude. This can result in higher productivity and better quality of work.
Workspaces can also anticipate employees feeling more fulfilled daily. This level of satisfaction can also translate into stronger job retention and acquisition in the future.
Maintaining the Momentum of Mental Health Recognition
Be sincere when tackling mental health. Once you start the conversation, keep the momentum going. Get feedback from people about the initiatives and work culture that you have going on in the space. Make adjustments based on their responses. Continuous efforts will showcase genuine concern for each person’s mental well-being.
Talk About Mental Health
The workplace can be a stress-filled environment for almost any industry. It’s important to recognize the symbiotic relationship between a job and its mental health implications. Talk and prioritize workers’ well-being.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw is a senior writer and editor at Modded, where he passionately explores the intricate connections between physical health, mental well-being, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content, Jack’s articles offer valuable insights into living a balanced and fulfilling life.
