Navigating Mental Health In The Workplace
In today’s fast paced work environment, one often sees employees take up excessive workloads, indulge in rapid work pace and work long hours without socialising
According to the WHO, all of these factors pose significant risks to mental health in the workplace. In my experience, I have seen this happening usually when employers, in the name of professional success, prioritise a demanding work schedule, such as a 70-hour work week and even longer in some cases. This leads to overshadowing of the mental health challenges experienced by employees. Therefore, it's not surprising that recent surveys have highlighted the alarming state of mental health issues among corporate employees in India. For example, MPower, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, revealed that nearly 48% of Indian corporate employees are at high risk of experiencing poor mental health. Mental health struggles at the workplace have become a ‘silent epidemic’ and often take forms of anxiety, depression and burnout among employees. This significantly impacts the organisational culture, team dynamics, productivity and work life balance of the employees.
Recognising mental health concerns among team members is imperative for leaders so they can offer timely intervention and support. Signs may include noticeable changes in behaviour and emotions, decreased productivity, withdrawal from social interactions, increased leaves, and sudden health issues.
Here’s how the top management can create a safe environment for their team and aid their employees in distress:
Promote open communication
Encourage employees to discuss their mental health concerns without the fear of judgement. This will empower them to seek help when they need it.
Provide resources and support
Offer access to mental health support by introducing counselling services. Also, ensure that employees are aware of the available resources and support.
Promote work life balance
Encourage employees to take regular breaks between work, disconnect post working hours and pursue their vacation time. This will help improve productivity and quality of the output.
Training and Education
Conduct training sessions and workshops on mental health awareness, stress management, and resilience building. Educating employees about mental health can help reduce stigma, increase awareness, and provide them with tools to cope with stress effectively. Such initiatives will help employees feel supported and valued.
Lead by Example
Managers and leaders should prioritise their own mental health and demonstrate healthy work habits. This will help create a positive work culture and encourage employees to prioritise their mental health.
Prioritising mental health in the workplace is paramount for promoting employee well-being and organisational success. By recognising mental health struggles, promoting awareness and support, and implementing sustainable solutions, organisations can create a positive work environment where employees thrive.
About the Author -
Advisor on Positioning Strategy and Senior Partner at BOD Consulting
