As we mark World Mental Health Day, we turn our attention to this year’s theme: It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.
With many of us spending a significant portion of our lives at work, it’s crucial that we create environments that foster mental well-being and support those who might be struggling.
The workplace mental health landscape
The past few years have brought unprecedented challenges, with the Covid-19 pandemic blurring the lines between work and personal life. Remote work, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on our collective mental health.
A 2023 UK survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 62% of employees reported experiencing burnout in the past year, and 76% believe their employer should be doing more to support their mental well-being. It also states there were “an estimated 875,000 workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost.”
It’s clear that now, more than ever, we need to prioritise mental health in the workplace. But what does that look like in practice?
Steps organisations can take
Organisations have a responsibility to create a supportive environment for their employees’ mental health. Here are some concrete actions they can take:
- Implement mental health days: Offer employees dedicated paid days off to focus on their mental well-being, separate from regular sick days or annual leave.
- Provide flexible work arrangements: Allow employees to adjust their work hours or location to better accommodate their personal needs and responsibilities.
- Invest in mental health training: Provide training for managers and employees on how to recognise signs of mental distress, have supportive conversations, and access available resources.
- Normalise mental health conversations: Encourage senior leaders to share their own experiences with challenges in the workplace, demonstrating that it’s OK to be vulnerable and reach out when needed.
- Partner with mental health professionals: Bring in experts to lead workshops, provide on-site counselling services, or offer virtual therapy sessions.
What can individuals do?
While organisational support is crucial, people also have the power to prioritise their own mental health. Here are some ways employees can take action:
- Schedule “no meeting” blocks: Designate specific times on your calendar where you won’t accept meetings, using that time to focus on deep work or recharge.
- Create a mental health toolkit: Assemble a personalised collection of resources, coping strategies, and support contacts that you can turn to when feeling overwhelmed.
- Cultivate a support network: Connect with colleagues who share your commitment to mental well-being, and offer mutual support and encouragement.
- Have microbreaks: Take short pauses throughout the day to stretch, breathe deeply, or engage in a brief meditation – something that works for you that helps you slow down, even if for a minute or two throughout the day.
- Celebrate each others’ wins: Share your successes and celebrate the wins of your colleagues. In a world of KPIs and targets, fostering a culture of appreciation serves as a reminder of people’s value and their contributions along the way.
It’s important to recognise that prioritising mental health in the workplace is a shared responsibility. By working together – organisations implementing supportive policies and people taking proactive steps – we can create a future where mental well-being is not only valued but truly takes priority in the workplace.
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