8 Ways you can Foster Better Workplace Mental Health
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It's about time! As a society, we are finally beginning to realise the critical need for our employees to be healthy - in all aspects of the word. Physically - emotionally - mentally - and I trust we will come to see the place for discussion about the spiritual health of people, as well. Organisations need to do more than just 'realise' or 'appreciate' or 'understand' this need - they need to take ownership of and responsibility for this, too. Published May 27th, 2014, HeadsUp.org have given our business world a clear guide to get started in creating a workforce that enjoys much better mental health. 1. Include mental health as a clearly defined priority in your organisation's vision. If profitability and responsible business practices are part of your company’s vision, mental health should also be a priority. It’s important to communicate your commitment to mental health to all employees – make it a part of induction packs for new starters, display posters in your workplace about mental health and include policy information on your intranet. 2. Introduce wellness programs and become actively involved in them. Wellness programs can include the provision of information and training in areas of stress management, bullying and harassment and mental health awareness. They can also include coaching and mentoring initiatives or simple actions such as establishing lunchtime walking groups. Every workplace is unique. Identifying the needs and preferences of employees can help ensure you are implementing the right mental health plan for your business. Feedback can be sought through confidential surveys, one-on-one meetings, a suggestion box in your workplace, or you could host a meeting with staff to encourage an open exchange of ideas. 3. Encourage mental health champions. Workplace mental health champions can help put a plan into action by raising overall awareness of mental health and providing specific details on workplace support and assistance. 4. Ensure that work–life balance is not an empty slogan. Provide examples that show you are serious about the mental health of your employees. This includes a commitment to flexible working practices such as variable start and finish times, working from home, discretionary leave and designing jobs to reduce repetitive work. 5. Introduce social and sporting activities among employees.Consider starting a social club at your workplace. Social activities can help relieve stress and foster a collaborative workplace. Physical activity also has a positive link to mental health – you could introduce yoga or Pilates classes, or lunchtime soccer. 6. Ensure a culture of openness.Sharing business strategies and successes can help employees see their own positive contribution to the business. It’s also important to ensure that leaders within your business are visible and approachable. This can be achieved through open-door policies, mentorship programs and regular manager-employee catch-ups. 7. Provide access to counselling or other support services.Counselling and support services can be particularly useful when workers are returning to work after experiencing a mental health condition. Counselling based on cognitive behavioural therapy, for example, could seek to understand the cause of workplace stress and develop ways to avoid or manage it in the future. 8. Invite guest speakers to talk about mental health and how to improve your wellbeing in the workplace.Guest speakers can be invited to speak about a range of wellness topics, such as managing your finances, healthy eating and stress management.
With one in five Australians experiencing a mental health condition in any given year, taking action to improve mental health in the workplace is critically important for business. A 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report on mental health in the workplace estimated that the costs incurred when employers do not take action to manage mental health conditions in their business costs Australian business approximately $10.9 billion per year. But the report also showed that, on average, businesses will experience a return of $2.30 for every $1 invested in initiatives that foster better mental health in the workplace – and even higher in some industries. Find more mental health resources: register with Heads Up Heads Up is a joint initiative of beyondblue and the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance (MHWA). To access the Heads Up Action Plan and business leader tools for better workplace health, simply register your details. |
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