Strategies For Promoting Mental Well-Being At Work

Stressed employee trying to manage overwhelming workload, highlighting the importance of mental well-being at work (tCaPC)

With many individuals vying for one work position, our fast-paced and cut world has solidified the constant pressure to perform. Everybody wants to rest. No person enjoys working long and stressful hours almost every day, but if you lose your job, what next? Individuals who are already worn out go to work the next day because the bills keep piling up. So, it's no surprise that mental health issues from piled-up exhaustion are now manifesting among employees.

However, various companies are now taking a good interest in the mental health of their employees, as long as their services are still required. Companies have also noticed that when their employees are in great mental condition, they get increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher employee satisfaction. Although working is an easy distraction from other aspects of the lives of your workers, continuous stressful deadlines do not distract, they exhaust.

To avoid these conditions as a leader, here are several strategies for promoting mental well-being at work.

Stimulate A Dependent Work Environment

Every human desires to feel needed, valued, and appreciated. When employees feel valued, acknowledged, and respected in the workplace, it reduces the mental pressure they put on themselves. To foster a dependent work environment, the fundamental ethic of a company should be teamwork. When there is teamwork between leaders and employees, feelings are protected, and productivity increases. Sometimes, the employees would be happy to go the extra mile to achieve the company's goal, as long as their values keep being appreciated.

By showing empathy and understanding, they can encourage an atmosphere of trust and openness. Many organizations around the world, especially institutions whose employees are at risk of trauma-based experiences, can conduct regular check-ins or therapy sessions to keep tabs on the mental health conditions of their employees.

To facilitate an effective and dependent work system, institutions can:

●     Train senior employees on mental health awareness, trust, and effective communication.

●     Establish partnerships and teams between employees to strengthen relationships.

●     Listen and improve when employees share their experiences.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Remote worker enjoying a scenic view while working, demonstrating the benefits of flexible work options (tCaPC).

Employees can only be productive at work if there's time to also sort out their personal lives. When all they do is bury themselves in stressful physical work, it won't be long before they demonstrate their feelings. Organizations can support the work-life balance by implementing flexible work policies. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have established flexible work hours, remote working options, and generous leave policies that can help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively.

To establish a work-life standard, organizations can:

●     Implement flexible working hours (shifts) or remote work options for employees.

●     Give employees days off at intervals.

Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Institutions, especially those whose employees are at risk of trauma-based experiences should provide adequate counseling sessions and mental health resources for their workers. This can include Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health hotlines, and access to professional counseling services. With these resources, the institutions can get a glimpse of the mental state of employees at intervals. Furthermore, Organizations can plan conferences, webinars, workshops, and general events where workers from different areas can share similar experiences.

To make this work;

●     Organizations should hire therapists and other mental health professionals to offer on-site and off-site counseling services.

●     Mental health issues and trauma-based triggers at the workplace should be met with support, not abandonment.

●     Institutions can provide employees with external mental health information and materials.

Introduce Locomotive Activities

Employees engaging in a fitness class, promoting physical health as part of workplace well-being initiatives (tCaPC).

Movement in the workplace can prevent mental health issues and their results. It is a subtle way of distracting an employee or getting a worker away from a depressing environment. For instance, a manager can decide to send his stay-in employees on field trips or deliveries three times a month to get them in a fresh space. Many organizations have incorporated programs to challenge the physical and mental health of their employees. Simple activities like walking meetings, on-site fitness classes, or gym memberships can also help to stabilize mental health.

Create a Comfortable Physical Workspace

According to WHO depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy approximately US $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. Over the years, studies have proven that the immediate environment of a person at any time can impact their mood. The workplace should be easy to operate, with provisions for employees to leave their immediate work areas when necessary. A work area should be well-lit, and employees should have access to natural light, as it helps the mood. The layout of a work area is very critical. So, a well-designed, comfortable, and spacious workspace can uplift the mood, and ultimately the productivity of employees.

Acknowledge And Appreciate Your Employees

A survey, conducted by SHRM, shows that 70% of employees say recognition makes them feel emotionally connected to peers. One of the most important attributes of being a human is the need to feel appreciated. Everybody loves a good reward or a bonus, and there is nothing more motivating than giving your employees rewards for their hard work. Most employees would be happier working where they are wanted. So, when you recognize the work of your employees, especially among their peers, you show that you acknowledge the work that they do. As a manager, learn to celebrate milestones and achievements, both big and small. 

Notebook with 'work-life balance' written on it, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal and professional life (tCaPC).

Additionally, managers and leaders in the workplace should also prioritize their mental health before trying to lead others. You can not lead efficiently when you are struggling mentally. By demonstrating healthy behaviors, such as taking breaks, managing stress, and maintaining work-life balance, leaders can encourage their employees to do the same. They can also inspire workers to take their mental health seriously when they share their personal experiences and strategies.

Conclusion

Making mental health a priority in the workplace not only creates a supportive and relatable environment, it also increases profitability in business. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a healthy work environment where employees can be their happiest and work their best.