Proven techniques for boosting mental health and wellbeing at work!

Despite the growing awareness around mental health, employees still feel the stigma to talk about it, especially at their workplaces. This happens mainly due to a lack of leadership disconnect, outdated practices, and no proper policy around mental health. However, employers have a huge role in changing the narrative.

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In this article, we will discuss how employers can use different proven techniques to boost mental health in the workplace.

Understanding the early signs

Early recognition of mental health issues can help to address the problem at its onset and avert more serious concerns. Managers can look for signs like:

Difficulty in concentration
Irritability
Frequent absenteeism
Making too many errors at work
Retreating from social interactions
Frequent health issues like headaches/stomach issues
Lack of productivity
Frequent mood swings

How mental health issues impact work

Mental health issues not just affect the individual but, if left unaddressed, deeply impact the work environment. Work-related stress is one of the main causes of absenteeism and reduced productivity at work. Prolonged stress at work can also lead to other physical ailments like depression, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and a weakened immune system.

Proven techniques for boosting mental health at the workplace

Employers can play a crucial role in developing a healthy workplace environment. Here are some actionable tips that you can implement at your workplace.

Encourage open communication

One of the biggest reasons why employees do not prefer to talk about their mental health issues at their workplace is because of the taboo attached to it. Creating a supportive environment through open communication makes employees comfortable to open up and talk about their mental health concerns. While managers can lead by example by sharing their mental health journeys, employers can create opportunities for employees to discuss mental health concerns openly. For example, conducting wellness sessions, webinars with mental health experts, offering mental health leaves, and conducting mental health awareness programs are some ways to normalize mental health discussions at work.

Offering access to different resources and counseling programs

Offering employees the right tools and resources is crucial for building a positive workplace culture.

For example, consider offering an employee assistance program as an additional resource to help employees manage their mental health. If you do not have an employee program yet at your workplace, you can launch one with Manah Wellness’s LEAP program. This program offers you a wide range of resources, including free access to expert sessions explicitly designed for HR leaders, covering a range of topics and providing professional guidance.

Encourage employees to eat well

What we eat profoundly affects how we feel, both in the short and long term. A healthy, balanced diet keeps you physically fit and mentally strong. However, employees may find it hard to eat healthy, especially if they have a long work schedule. Offering employees healthy snacks and meal options can help them eat right. Also, encourage employees to bring food from home or give them the choice to buy healthy lunch at work.

Give more control to the employees

Research studies have supported that giving employees some degree of control over their work environments increases their motivation and performance, which can directly impact their productivity and the company's bottom line. Giving them the choice to set their own schedule, working remotely, or in a hybrid model allows them to control their work style, which makes them more engaged at their workplace. For example, if an employee has a caregiving schedule, letting them choose their work schedule can be a great stress reliever for the employee.

Normalize taking breaks

We are all human beings, and we all work better when our environment changes from time to time. Encourage employees to take breaks instead of sitting Infront of their computer screens for long hours. This could mean taking a five minute break to stretch or longer breaks to explore new places or activities that interest them. Getting good sleep is equally important for good mental health. So, encourage employees to resist the temptation to check in with work post office hours. If you find some employees are constantly responding to work emails or checking work post-work hours, re-examine the workload to help manage stress.

Listen to your employees

Create a forum where employees can raise their concerns. Research suggests that when employees feel they’re heard and their opinions matter, they feel more engaged and stay loyal to their jobs. Use various tools, such as anonymous surveys, town halls, and polls, to listen to employee suggestions. Then, develop a plan to address the genuine concerns. Maintain transparency and communicate all changes you are making based on employee feedback.

FAQs

How can employers recognize early signs of mental health issues in the workplace?

Employers can identify early signs like difficulty concentrating, irritability, absenteeism, and mood swings to address mental health concerns.

What effective techniques can employers use to boost mental health at work?

Employers can encourage open communication, offer counseling resources, promote healthy eating, and give employees more control over their work environment.