Should Corporate World Embrace Mental Health Awareness Programs For Employees
Mental Health no doubt is a top priority, and rising mental disorders is a global issue, still, the question arises that whether mental health awareness programs could get a space in workplaces.
Nearly one billion people worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder, according to the latest United Nations (UN) data. Mental health issues in the workplace can affect productivity and lead to absenteeism. As employees are the soul of a firm, the corporate world must step a leg forward towards taking care of the employee's mental health issues by various measures.
Anjali Byce, CHRO, STL said, "The pandemic has brought focus on mental barriers and fears to the fore like never before. It is paramount for companies to be prepared with tools that provide individual counseling, coaching, and therapeutic consulting 'on demand'. In this digital age, we must harness the power of technology and combine it with the most recent breakthroughs to enhance overall health. We must continue building a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment where our people can 'bring their whole selves' and thrive."
Now, hereafter question can appear, how can a company detect its employee's mental health condition? Well, it can at least be detected if a person is of a negative or positive perspective through their words and actions. Employees may hesitate to tell their employers about not being mentally well, as there can be a fear of losing their job. Here, employers can take a proactive step to know their employees' mental condition.
Christopher Chris Roberts, Founder and MD, Engaged Strategy said, "To identify and understand the various emotions staff feel at the workplace, especially negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, stress, frustration and fear, organisations need to measure them via strategic employee surveys. Alongside this, employers also need to measure the emotions that staff want to feel. This combined data can help an organisation identify problem areas and design the ideal state."
Organisations have occupational health and safety obligations to all of their employees including those who may be challenged with mental health conditions. It makes good business sense to observe whether there are practices in the workplace that could cause or bother the ill health of employees. Employers should ensure that no such incidents are going on in the working environment that can cause stress, depression or anxiety to an employee.
"Note that, if a large number of staff members are stressed or anxious at work, all roads lead to leadership. Invariably, it is due to a command and control style that lacks empathy. What is required is a coaching style of leadership with tools to read people, influencing skills, and the means to make them mentally resilient. This helps staff become the best versions of themselves. For more complex issues, which may stem from personal or social triggers, staff need to have access to anonymous counselling," Roberts said.
Companies can offer training and ideas for building resilience, self-leadership and a sense of happiness. Also, Employment Assistance Programs offer emotional wellness services to staff working by a scope of public and private sector associations. These are financially backed by businesses and free for employees.
Byce said, "Simple things like including wellness check-ins in team meetings, creating a safe space for open conversations and making critical resources such as self-help tools readily available can be the steps for organisations to take care of employees."
Various corporate companies are prioritising employees' mental health and taking effective measures to deal with the condition. For instance, an ET report said that India Inc is expanding budget plans to help support employees with mental health problems.
The easiest access to battle mental health issues is Yoga which leads to the development of patience, improves listening powers and transfers the power back to the individual. With the help of yoga, one can develop inner stillness, calmness, and a state of bliss for a happy life. So how could companies and yoga collaborate to solve employees' mental health issues?
Himalayan Siddha Akshar, Founder, Akshar Yoga Research and Development Centre said, "Project deadlines, work pressures and other demands at the workplace can lead to increased stress. To counter this, measures must be taken to boost and fortify employee mental health. The benefits of yoga for mental wellbeing are astounding. It leads to increased productivity and lowers absenteeism. Corporate leaders and decision makers must integrate some form of yoga practices and mindfulness techniques for employees at the workplace."
Yoga can be opted for as a daily practice of a healthcare routine. Not just at home, yoga can be embraced at workplaces too, at least for alternate days, concerning mental wellbeing. "Asanas can boost your physical agility so you do not feel lethargic or tired. Pranayama keeps your mind clear and meditation techniques can help you stay focussed and remain calm. By spending even 10-20 minutes each day, you can improve your physical health, balance your energies and engage the mind for overall wellness and positivity. Even if it's a 10 mins deal per day, it is important that employee should experience it," Akshar said.
However, there are many options to adopt by the corporate world for the mental health of the employees. Only the necessity is, business pioneers need to get proactive and ensure they're offering vital help to their workers.
