How To Promote Mental Health And Wellbeing In The Workplace

Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace have always been important issues. Employers must do everything they can to support employees and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in professional settings.

Why Mental Health Issues Matter In The Workplace

Mental health at work has been a hot topic, especially with changes in work environments in recent years. Many employees are now anxious about returning to the workplace, while others have found that remote working has helped them achieve a better work-life balance.

In fact, one in three workers states that they’d rather quit than return to the workplace. This is just one of the many reasons employers must start building healthy workplaces. Additional reasons to focus on mental health at work include but are not limited to:

• Employees work harder when they are happy.
• Poor mental health increases human error and can spread to colleagues.
• It costs an average of £12,000 to replace an average employee who quits.
• Happier employees will provide better customer experiences.
• Mental health problems cost UK businesses £45bn per year.

Promoting positive mental health will protect productivity and profitability while also creating a better working environment from an employer’s perspective. When added to the human responsibility of supporting employees with their long-term mental wellness, it must play a central role in your health and safety protocols.

How Can Your Business Promote Good Mental Health At Work?

Supporting employees in the workplace is crucial, but only a conscious and comprehensive strategy will achieve this goal. Every idea that improves mental health will indirectly boost your bottom line. Here are five of the best solutions at your disposal.

Communicate To Allay Fears

Employee retention rates are significantly higher for companies that communicate well. Increased happiness and mental stability play into this. Employee fears can often be alleviated through clear dialogue. Some of the best solutions to promote mentally healthy teams include:

• Be clear about the precautions made to ensure a safe work environment.
• Open a dialogue so that employees can share their worries.
• Create a space for employees to step out of the action zone if they feel overwhelmed.
• Hire a mental health expert or offer free sessions to employees who need them.
• Offer regular updates or memos to keep all employees informed.

Arranging team bonding sessions can also be a great way to restore mental health and create a positive atmosphere across the company.

Create A Less Stressed Setting

Approximately one in four workers admit to feeling stressed out by their general work setup. This is without accounting for the return to work. So, you need to build a stress-free setting.

After all, stress is the source of anxiety, depression, and a host of workplace mental health issues. You can reduce stress in your workplace through the following methods;

• nvest in the right tools and equipment for employees to work efficiently.
• Encourage employees to speak up about any issues they face.
• Address workplace bullying immediately if it occurs.
• Create workspaces with natural light and bright colours.
• Set boundaries to help employees switch off from work outside of their shifts.

A positive work-life balance can significantly influence the overall atmosphere. If employees dread going to work, it will impact their performance and well-being.

Be More Versatile

Flexibility in working arrangements has become more important than ever. Embracing this approach can boost staff happiness and productivity while improving health and safety. You can achieve this by:

• Allowing employees to continue remote or hybrid working setups.
• Offering flexible work hours to accommodate individual needs.
• Supporting on-site workforces with outsourced services when needed.
• Encouraging a more autonomous approach to work.

When employees feel in control of their working situations, they are less likely to experience anxiety and other mental health issues.

Appreciate Physical Health

The close connection between physical and mental health is clear. Promoting physical wellness can help combat many mental health problems. Focusing on physical health can help employees stay mentally healthy in the workplace. Steps include:

• Operate a cycle-to-work scheme or offer perks like free gym memberships.
• Install a water cooler, as hydration promotes improved mental performance.
• Encourage workers to take regular screen breaks.
• Allow for short exercise and snack breaks during the day.
• Invest in ergonomic chairs and adjustable desks.

Encouraging physical activity and well-being can make a notable difference in overall productivity and employee morale.

A Few Final Thoughts on Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace

Mental illness manifests itself in many different ways, from anxiety to eating disorders and beyond. For some, these conditions were challenging to manage in the past, and the thought of returning to a rigid work structure can make them worse.

The pre-existing stigma around discussing mental health with line managers still affects many employees. Employers who proactively include mental health in their workplace culture and recruitment strategies are more likely to retain existing employees and attract new talent. Promoting mental health and well-being in the workplace is not only a moral responsibility but also a practical step towards building a more productive and engaged workforce.