The Plants That Need Water: Ensuring Mental Health Of Employees
Some months ago President Ram Nath Kovind pointed out that the number of Indians suffering from mental health issues exceeded the entire population of Japan. He said that India was on the verge of a mental health epidemic, which the country did not have the resources to tackle. An estimated 57 million people in India suffer from depression, comprising 18 per cent of the afflicted in the world. In other words, 18 per cent of those suffering from depression around the world live in India.
According to an ASSOCHAM study, about 42.5 per cent of employees in the private sector suffer from depression or general anxiety disorder. Considering that Indian millennial spend an average of 52 hours a week at the workplace, mental health illnesses are a serious issue among employees. The statistics objectively conclude that the volcano is on the verge of eruption.
Having said that, it is worth mentioning that despite broadening mindsets, the Indian workforce hasn’t yet been able to constructively overcome the hurdle that mental health issues present. It has rather viewed mental illness as a taboo. So, neither do employers address the issue, nor do troubled employees approach their superiors with the problem first. Mental Illness, therefore, hasn’t yet ventured beyond the four walls of the home into the workplace.
The country has indeed taken massive strides in modernisation, but even today, India could take a leaf out of the book of the Western world on a liberal approach toward bridging the distance between employers and their employees on mental health issues. This shouldn’t be confused with over analysing and overpraising those who do come forward to share the problem, as it would merely cause more stress and embarrassment to them. It is better to acknowledge and listen to them gently, and offer them support in a sensitive manner.
The indiscriminate address
Neuropsychologists believe it may be prudent on the part of companies to entice their employees to reveal mental health issues, especially since mental health problems have a tendency to lead to physical ailments as well. This can be done by employing counselors. Where the resources necessary for investment in such facilities do not exist, simply empathising with the problems of the afflicted employees can be effective. However, this step should not result in labeling these employees and restraining them from taking on demanding roles.
Any impact caused by changed perceptions about them would be detrimental to their well-being. They would be reluctant to open up about their symptoms should they sense that the disclosure may invite negative responses.
Employers must ensure that the organisation has a high regard for the integrity and trust of employees. This will encourage a sense of belonging among them in the organisation and instill in them a sense of commitment toward the organisation.
There is a fine line between probing and comforting, which needs to be kept in mind. Questioning just for the sake of it can prove harmful. Employers should rather take a warm approach to the issue and selflessly and honestly offer a supportive hand to affected employees.
Natural elements
The psychology and neuroscience of colours also reveal that they have a pivotal impact on people’s moods and mental well-being. They have an effect on the brain and hormones, which in turn affects moods, behaviours and physiology.
A 2016 study via an online panel conducted on Indian and American employees revealed that natural elements and exposure to sunlight related positively to job satisfaction and organisational commitment and aided in uplifting depressed moods and anxiety.
Colours that surround us at our workplaces can play a crucial part in improving mental health. For instance, green is known to be a very effective stress-buster as it enhances one’s mood. Exposure to more plants can thus improve mental health. Apart from the colour, plants also enable increased oxygen supply in the office, creating a calming and healthier workplace.
Creativity
Mindful and engaging activities at the workplace can provide a bundle of freshness to otherwise dull environments. A recent research found that participants were more energetic the day after they had engaged in some creative activity. It created a domino effect, which inspired more creativity. Creative and exuberant workshops can facilitate team morale, communication, and joy at workplaces.
Open spaces and solitude
While it becomes essential to create and provide spaces for collaboration and communication, those for quiet reflection are also equally important. Solitude has its own contribution to creative thinking and innovation, just as much as planned and unplanned interactions do. The celebrated author Ernest Hemingway believed that solitude also played a vital role in confronting emotions head on and in helping us handle our feelings and thoughts. A process of self- transformation can strike its own chords to create something beautiful and original.
An atmosphere of positivity can provide a breath of fresh air to an otherwise mundane work environment. When optimistic energy is palpable, people tend to absorb the exuberance. This creates a more worthwhile experience where both employees and employers look forward to contributing to the goals of the organisation.
In conclusion
Anyone can fall prey to mental health illnesses. Instead of accepting this, many employers are still constantly in search of that ideal employee who is fit and productive in every aspect possible. This bubble must be burst, and organisations must accept the beauty of the fact that humans are flawed and vulnerable – the very facets that make us complete. Investing in the mental health of employees will only add a new dimension to their productivity.
