Why Workplace Mental Health Matters
I recently read Dennis Trottier’s thought-provoking article about mental health in the workplace. He bravely discussed his own experience with mental health issues and how he has now taken on a pivotal role with KPMG as their first-ever Chief Mental Health Officer. According to the 2018 World Mental Health Report three out of five employees have experienced mental health issues in the past year because of work, however, there is still stigmatization attached to talking about these issues in the workplace. To promote good mental health in the workplace, organizations must take proactive steps to address the needs of their employees. Staff must feel comfortable sharing their concerns and opening up to their Supervisor or Manager.
It can be a daunting task for sure, but we have outlined some steps that employers can take in addressing mental health issues their staff may be facing.
Create a safe space.
Without proper mental health policies in place, employees can feel hesitant to discuss what they are going through. Firstly, all employers need to review their existing policies when it comes to mental health and engagement in the workplace. If there is no manual that offers direction and support to employees at risk, sit down with your staff and openly discuss what you can change and what should be implemented.
As an employer, it’s important to create a foundation of trust between management and employees. If there are serious cultural issues that are yet unresolved, for instance, a toxic workplace, a culture of bullying – tackle these problems first. Trust is created by making promises and delivering on these promises. If your employees are unhappy and see that toxic players are allowed to remain in leadership roles, remove them. Start rebuilding the trust that has been lost and then go about establishing an open forum for honest communication. Any conversation about a person’s mental health issues must also be handled with privacy and confidentiality.
Make employees feel valued.
Making employees feel valued is essential to creating an open environment where they are comfortable speaking about their mental health. Offering employees a work from home arrangement when needed, allowing employees to offer feedback on what is or is not working can do wonders for the mental health of a team. Telling all employees that they matter and that you value their opinion will re-ignite employee engagement.
Encourage employees to take mental health days off.
Many companies still take the approach of asking for a sick note or a doctor’s cert to establish proof that you need a day off. Perhaps it is time to stop. Preventative medicine shows that taking time to rest your body and mind is hugely important. There should be no stigma attached to taking a mental health day or a personal day. Everybody needs ample time to re-tune or rest and therefore all managers must be trained and counseled on how to communicate with staff who may need additional time.
Reduce stigma.
Many high performing sales teams, tax professionals and accounting staff work grueling hours. Dennis Trottier, Chief Mental Health Officer with KPMG, stated that he felt that he was letting his team down if he took any additional days off. High performing teams can unintentionally isolate coworkers who may be feeling depressed or anxious. The prevalence of ‘hustle culture’ in our modern vocabulary implies that work = success = value. As an employer, it is hugely important to reduce this stigma and reframe this assumption. Talk openly about the need for rest, space and healing. Discuss personal examples of when you needed to take time for yourself and unwind. There should be no secrecy or shame attached to taking time for oneself.
Get employees out of the office.
The benefits of fresh air and exercise cannot be overlooked. When possible, try to get employees out of the office. Do not incentivize teams with alcohol or parties. This can isolate people even more and alcohol is a known depressant. Look at different angles when celebrating a team win or hitting a deadline. Take a city tour, play a team sport, start an activity class. Moving staff from the confines of an office to the great outdoors can shift perspective, allow for greater connection and enhance mood.
A shortlist for starters but important points to remember when addressing mental health.
Companies who invest in the mental health of their people and foster an open dialogue about mental health issues will also be creating an engaged staff. People will enjoy coming to work, be overall much more engaged and positive about their work and handling any issues that may arise personally.
