How to Support Mental Health at Work?
Mental health in the workplace has become a critical area for employers globally. Mental health affects productivity and quality of work so it’s good for employees and organisations.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) poor mental health at work results in 12 billion lost days a year and $1 trillion in lost productivity. 15% of working-age adults worldwide had a mental disorder in 2019 so mental health is a big issue.
In this blog, we will be covering some of the practical strategies to support mental health at workplace that work.
Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health affects how we cope with stress, build relationships and get things done. In the workplace, mental health impacts productivity, engagement and collaboration.
Key Statistics
- 15% of adults globally are affected by mental health issues that impact their job performance.
- $1 trillion in lost productivity each year is due to anxiety and depression.
- 12 billion workdays are lost globally each year due to mental health issues.
Suggested Read: How to Care for Your Employees' Wellbeing in the Workplace?
The Role of Decent Work in Mental Health
A good work environment with a sense of belonging, fair pay and social connections improves mental health. Decent work makes employees feel accomplished and confident, reducing anxiety and increasing job satisfaction.
Benefits of Decent Work Environments
- Provides structure and stability: Employees with routines and a clear sense of purpose are less likely to burn out.
- Supports inclusion: Good workplaces build connections, making employees feel valued and socially connected.
Recognise the Key Risks to Mental Health at Work
Psychosocial risks to mental health at work come from too much work, job insecurity or poor workplace culture. High demands with low control, unclear roles and no support are the main causes of mental health issues at work.
Common Psychosocial Risks
- Underutilised skills or lack of control: Roles that don’t use employees' skills can disengage.
- Discrimination and exclusion: Employees who face discrimination are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
- Long hours and high workloads: Excessive demands with no support lead to stress and burnout.
How to Support Mental Health at Work?
Here are some of the best ways to help you support your employees' mental health.
Building a Supportive and Inclusive Workplace Culture
A culture that promotes mental health awareness and discourages stigma encourages employees to openly discuss mental health challenges and seek support.
Benefits of Inclusivity
- Increased productivity and retention: Employees in supportive environments are more likely to stay with their employer.
- Reduced absenteeism and improved morale: Inclusive workplaces foster loyalty and engagement.
Effective Communication and Active Listening Practices
Active listening and open communication empower employees to share their mental health challenges without fear of judgment.
- Creating an Open-Door Policy: Encouraging employees to speak openly with management about their wellbeing builds trust and ensures concerns are addressed promptly.
- Training Programs to Raise Awareness: Training on mental health and resilience reduces stigma and equips employees to manage stress. Manager training is just as important, so leaders can spot the signs of mental distress and respond with support.
Promote Work-Life Balance and Flexible Arrangements
Flexible working options, including remote work and flextime, help mental health by reducing stress and giving employees control over work and life.
Statistics on Work-Life Balance Benefits
- Work-life balance improves employee retention and engagement.
- Organisations offering flexible options see reduced burnout rates and improved employee satisfaction.
Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer confidential support and counselling for employees dealing with stress, anxiety, and other challenges.
Impact of EAPs
- Studies show that EAPs can improve employee retention by addressing mental health proactively.
- Regular reminders about these resources encourage usage and foster a supportive environment.
Encourage Physical Activity and Regular Breaks
Physical activity has proven benefits for mental health, including enhanced mood, reduced anxiety, and improved cognitive function.
Strategies for Workplace Activity
- Movement-friendly policies: Allow short, frequent breaks for stretching or walking.
- On-site fitness programs or gym memberships support physical and mental health.
Foster Positive Social Connections
Positive work relationships create a sense of community and belonging, which supports mental health and resilience.Encouraging teamwork and providing space for social interactions can reduce isolation and build a network of support.
Recognise and Celebrate Employee Achievements
Recognising employees’ contributions fosters a positive work environment and improves confidence and motivation.Regular acknowledgement of effort and accomplishments builds self-esteem and a sense of value.
Provide Skills for Stress Management and Resilience
Offering workshops on mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and resilience training equips employees with tools to manage stress effectively.Employees trained in resilience have better emotional wellbeing at work, less absenteeism, and higher productivity.
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention
Addressing suicide risk openly and empathetically is critical in creating a safe work environment. Employees should be encouraged to reach out for help, and managers should be trained to respond appropriately.
Key Crisis Intervention Steps
- Encourage employees to seek help if they’re struggling with thoughts of suicide.
- Provide resources like helplines, and establish clear policies for responding to crises.
How CHOYS Help You with Improving Mental Health?
CHOYS is a dedicated employee wellbeing platform designed to support organisations in enhancing the mental health of their workforce. Through its comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), CHOYS provides accessible, confidential counselling and mental health resources that help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges in their personal and professional lives.
The platform’s features, and resources empower employees to proactively care for their mental health, contributing to a supportive and resilient workplace culture. Learn more about how CHOYS can support your team’s mental health and wellbeinghere.
FAQs on Mental Health in the Workplace
How to deal with an employee who has mental health issues?
Approach the employee with empathy and offer private, supportive conversations. provide accommodations if possible, maintain confidentiality, and encourage the use of available mental health resources.
How to work with people who have mental health issues?
Show empathy and avoid assumptions. foster open communication, respect their boundaries, and offer flexibility when possible.
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