In terms of overall health and well-being, work can have a huge impact because apart from monetary gain, work brings meaning, structure and purpose to your life and we can also benefit from a sense of identity, but working in a negative environment can have the opposite effect. , which can be harmful to our emotional and mental health. Therefore, the mental health of employees needs to be prioritized as a mentally healthy workplace not only benefits employees but also increases productivity and overall success.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Muskan Chandra, Consultant Psychologist, Lisun, said, “Long working hours, understaffing, lack of support and harassment in the workplace can increase stress levels and contribute to anxiety, depression and mental health problems. Substance abuse. Hence creating mentally healthy workplaces. Doing is the main priority.” He suggested some actions that could be taken accordingly –
- Training needs analysis to understand needs and adapt solutions based on challenges: Training needs analysis is an essential process that helps businesses determine and analyze the gap between an employee’s current skills and competencies and those needed to achieve company objectives. This is the first step in creating a training program that effectively meets organizational needs, has employee-specific and broad corporate goals. Organizations can ensure that their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet organizational objectives and remain competitive and successful in their industry.
- Improve employee experience: Develop, implement and monitor a mental health policy that includes zero tolerance for bullying and discrimination. Ensure that change is managed inclusively with open and realistic communication. Provide training programs for leaders and supervisors that include mental health education in the workplace. Ensure senior staff are involved in promoting mental health and ensuring a safe and positive environment.
- Empathy: In the workplace, there are many reasons why it’s important to be empathetic. Improved communication, increased morale, better conflict resolution have enhanced customer service. Strategies such as encouraging communication through regular team meetings, checking in on each other and constructive feedback help develop stronger communication and empathy among colleagues. When managers and leaders lead by example and model empathic behavior it encourages employees to follow suit. Fosters an empathetic environment that cultivates diversity and inclusion and constructively addresses conflict.
- Normalizing wellness conversations in the workplace: Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health and general well-being with their colleagues and managers is also part of normalizing healthy dialogue in the workplace. This means promoting and de-stigmatizing the discussion of personal difficulties, seeking support and prioritizing mental health. Normalizing good health communication can have a positive impact on employees and organizations. This can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction, improved morale and increased retention rates. It can also reduce absenteeism, increase employee participation and job performance, and improve quality of life.
- Intervention prevention is: Organizations should encourage and support their employees to seek help as early as possible. Once the right resources and support are in place, wellness checks should be mandatory. Workplaces should provide employee assistance programs with knowledgeable staff and evidence-based techniques. Educating staff members about mental health helps build peer support.
According to Sumit Bhasin, vice president of human resources at IQ Hospital, creating a mentally healthy workplace is essential to the company’s success and the well-being of its employees. He shared, “By promoting open communication, providing mental health resources, encouraging work-life balance, educating employees on mental health and leading by example, we create a culture of support and understanding. Make employee mental health a priority and everyone can thrive.” Try to create a workplace that can.” He elaborated-
- Foster Open Communication: It is important to create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing any mental health concerns. This can be achieved by creating an open-door policy where employees can approach their managers or HR representatives without fear of judgment. Conduct regular surveys to gauge the mental health of employees and identify any potential problems.
- Provide mental health resources: Understand the importance of access to mental health resources. Provide employees with access to an employee assistance program that provides confidential counseling services, mental health resources and support for personal and professional challenges.
- Encourage work-life balance: Encouraging work-life balance is essential to reduce stress and burnout. Implement flexible work arrangements and offer employees the option to work remotely.
- Educate employees on mental health: Many employees do not fully understand mental health and its impact on their lives. Offer regular training sessions to educate employees on mental health, stress management and coping techniques. This not only benefits employees but also creates a culture of understanding and support.
- Lead by example: You need to prioritize your own mental health and set an example for your employees. Encourage managers to take mental health days and prioritize work-life balance. Provide leadership training to ensure managers understand the importance of supporting their team’s mental health.
Shashikant Goenka, Chief People Officer, Infovision highlighted, “Your employees will be more engaged and motivated at work, which will increase their job satisfaction and likelihood of staying with your company. Your employees will be less stressed at work and more likely to contribute ideas to your business success, which will help it expand and thrive.” Adding to the list of steps, he advises –
1. Don’t be afraid to let bad team members go and hire great ones: Hiring people who fit your culture is the first step to creating a great work environment, as successful companies are aware. Make sure your employees are respectful and helpful. Even true for those who are already a part of your team. Working with toxic people increases the likelihood that employees will develop toxic symptoms, which will make your workplace unhealthy.
2. Promote work-life balance: Employers should encourage a healthy balance between work and personal life by offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules. It can reduce stress and burnout, which can negatively affect mental health.
3. Improve employee communication: Keep your interactions with employees in mind. Upper management and team members should focus on their communication strategies and how they affect the development of a positive work environment. Improve employee communication. Keep your interactions with employees in mind. Upper management and team members should focus on their communication strategies and how they affect the development of a positive work environment.
4. Plan workplace activities to encourage participation: Organizational events can increase employee engagement. Employees develop relationships with each other and their bosses as a result of their social interactions. Employees can experience a work culture that appreciates more than completing projects on time by participating in business events. Along with giving kids a chance to show their individuality, it can help them feel like they belong.
5. Encourage open communication: Establish a safe environment where staff members can discuss their issues about mental health without fear of stigma or judgment. Managers should support open discussion about mental health and offer services to help their staff members who need them. One way to promote open communication is to have a mental health policy in place that explains how employees can get support and help.