Mental health should be a priority in the workplace

Stress always has a negative connotation. However, there are times that it serves to help and protect us. When we face threats or danger, stress creates adrenaline and a boost of energy. It also gives us the extra brain power to focus on what is needed. However, in the current environment, stressors exist in so many places which affect our mental health— especially in the workplace. Even though the numbers are dwindling, we are still in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic that caused worldwide stress. 

Mental health should be a priority in the workplace

With employers opening office spaces, work-from-home setups slowly going back to onsite and face-to-face hours. However, other employers give their workers the flexibility to choose where they work for certain hours. Still, stressors continue to explain. Companies need to develop a new understanding of stress and help their workers feel connected and supported. 

Employers need to make changes in their organizations to reduce stress and improve the mental and physical health of all their employees. They have to develop a new understanding of stress. Aside from that, they also need to create a long-term strategy for the organization and help people feel connected and supported. 

So, how can employers prioritize mental health in the workplace?

Making mental health a priority, employees need self-awareness to communicate with employers. It really takes each and every one of us to know ourselves and have that awareness. This, then, can recognize whether or not things go well for us or if there’s additional stress and symptoms that need some greater attention. 

Breaking down the stigma

Organizations should become more open and honest when it comes to mental health. That way, they can give accommodations in the workplace. Supervisors should have one-on-one talks with employees.

That way, they can know if an employee knows that receiving help doesn’t mean something is wrong with them. The steps taken to better their mental health remain positive and can benefit them when looking at it from a positive perspective. 

The stigma is very real and it prevents people from seeking the help they need. Mental health is a continuum and at any point in life, employees may experience some symptoms from that. Of course, it’s something that we all go through and more than mental health is discussed. That way, the more we can help to break the stigma. 

Mental health isn’t always visible. It can be especially hard in the workforce for a supervisor to notice this in an employee. However, even harder for that employee to talk about what has been going on.

So, supervisors should make it part of regular meetings. That way, they check in on each other and ask how they’re doing. Some of those conversations might be more private but those connections remain key in being able to help one another. 

Help employees out with a work-life balance. 

It can be hard to remember sometimes that employees have other things going on besides work, especially if they have a high-demanding job. However, being able to balance their work life and personal life becomes important to care for their mental health. 

Every person has a unique way of releasing the stress they feel, especially in the workplace. However, connecting mind and body to find balance and release will help greatly. Employees and supervisors should have a discussion with each other. And, it should be started with the question, “What does balance look like for me?”

Balance looks different for each of us. Aside from that, it changes over time. However, the key is coming up with a plan that they will implement and sharing it with those around them to hold each other accountable. 

Making a long-term strategy.

Employers need more than just initiatives, they need a long-term strategy. They can evaluate their workplaces and where it stands in terms of mental health through interviews, surveys, focus groups, visits, and one-on-one talks.

The vision of where they want to be can be created through leadership visioning exercises and goal mapping. The steps to get there, on the other hand, might include training, workshops, and policy changes to name a few. 

Many employees love to see more mental health benefits at the workplace. It’s important to make sure people feel supported and have access to all the resources they need when dealing with stress or mental health challenges.