What is a "Mentally Healthy Workplace".... and why is it so important?

To us, a healthy workplace culture is more than just a buzz-phrase. It is something that is pivotal for employee, management and business wellbeing. Creating a mentally healthy workplace is a long-term commitment that involves fostering a space where employees feel that their health and wellbeing truly matters. 

Poor employee mental health is not a new problem. Expectations by both employers and employees have shifted rapidly in recent years, emphasising employer responsibility in benefiting the overall well-being of their workforce. 

Social determinants of health are conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life outcomes. The workplace is an environment that can either help or hinder access to health care, housing, education and other resources.  

Employers that offer additional support can help employees balance their personal and professional lives and overall contribute to a better quality of life for both only employees, but their families. It’s important to remember that all workers have a right to privacy and may not share their personal hardships with their employer for various reasons. 

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS 

Establish employee mental health and well-being as a top organisational priority.

• Develop an employee-centric mental health strategy informed by the specific needs of your workforce. 

• Invest personnel, a budget, and additional resources to support appropriate mental health strategies. 

• Consider employees living with mental health or substance use conditions as part of the team, more than a simple hinderance to performance.

• Reform and rehabilitation can and does occur, but only with the help of a non-judgemental environment. Help create an inclusive workplace culture.  

Invest in developing supportive and emotionally intelligent people-managers.

• Develop a process that allows employees to provide feedback to their manager as well as freely negotiate their titles, roles, responsibilities, salaries, and workload. 

• Provide tailored mental health training that addresses both the employer’s and managers roles in promoting positive workplace mental health. 

• Educate managers about the explicit procedures or supports available to employees 

• Educate staff on burnout and how to notice signs of increased stress in the workplace.

As a manager, consider your strengths and growth opportunities. 

• Cultivate relationships built on trust and respect with direct reports.  

• Learn about and apply active listening skills and emotional intelligence in daily interactions.  

• Provide the appropriate level of guidance and assist employees with workload management.

• Notice the signs of increased stress or burnout in employees. 

• Actively encourage employees to take time off when needed. 

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Prioritising mental health in the workplace is crucial, not just for enhancing individual lives but also for boosting overall organisational productivity. Employers who commit to supporting their employees' mental well-being create healthier, more innovative, and productive environments.

By adopting the strategies outlined, businesses can foster spaces where everyone thrives. Let's shift towards making comprehensive mental health support a standard in every workplace, promoting a culture of well-being that extends beyond the office.