The relevance of mental health in the workplace has grown in recent years due to factors like the spread of the pandemic, the rise of virtual offices, and the general labor shortage.
More than half of American employees in the workplace report feeling stressed out, and the vast majority also report feeling melancholy. Employees’ psychological well-being is crucial to the success of businesses worldwide.
How can we ensure that our Staff Members have Optimal Mental Health?
Dr. John DenBoer, an expert in organizational psychology, offers the following suggestions.
Tips for Maintaining Mental Health in the Workplace (as Adapted from the CDC)
Success has been shown with workplace health promotion initiatives, particularly those targeting mental and physical well-being.
The office is a great venue to spread wellness because Dr. John DenBoer argues that the foundations for communication are already in place.
A variety of social media platforms are accessible.
Incentives provided by employers may play an essential role in encouraging employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. Health insurance providers and employers are two potential sources for such incentives.
Employers may monitor employee development and the results using collected data. Healthcare providers and employers may be given access to this information.
Employers may take the following Measures:
Allow workers the opportunity to evaluate their mental health by providing them with appropriate resources.
Provide clinical screens for depression by a trained mental health professional, either at no cost or at a much-reduced rate, followed by feedback and clinical referral if necessary.
Provide mental health care and antidepressant drugs via health insurance with little or no out-of-pocket payments to the patient.
Provide self-management, counseling, and lifestyle coaching at no cost or a reduced rate. Due to the Pandemic, they have become trendy.
Brochures, posters, and films discussing the warning signs of mental illness and available treatments should be made available to all staff members.
Host seminars or workshops that address depression and stress management methods like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditation to assist workers in lessening anxiety and stress and boost attention and motivation.
Make Sure that there are Calm Areas for Rest
Educate supervisors on spotting their employees’ warning signs of stress and depression and prod them into professional care.
Provide workers with avenues for input on matters that may impact their stress at work.
Methods for Dealing with Stress and Mental Illness at Work
Providers of medical treatment may Inquire as to the mental health of your patients, and if necessary, refer them for tests, therapy, and support services.
Dr. John DenBoer recommends including allied health experts like clinical psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in primary treatment teams to give more all-encompassing care.
In the Realm of Public Health
To create, administer, and evaluate workplace health programs that address mental health and stress, a “how to” guide is needed.
Dr. DenBoer suggests establishing a “mental health scorecard” that businesses may use to evaluate their policies and practices and spot problem areas that need fixing.
Make a program to honor businesses that show considerable enhancements in employee mental health and wellbeing and demonstrable financial success.
Build leadership skills by teaching managers how to create and maintain a psychologically healthy workplace via courses in conjunction with business institutions.
Corporate and Community Leaders
Dr. DenBoer suggests promoting public health programs, parks, recreation, and community centers to teach working individuals about mental health and stress management.
Indirect risk reduction may be achieved via community initiatives that improve housing affordability, access to outdoor spaces for exercise (such as sidewalks and trails), financial literacy resources, and smoke-free environments.
Make it easier for workers, businesses, and doctors to locate local programs (at places like churches and community centers) that concentrate on mental health and stress reduction.
State and Federal Governments
Give out resource packs to groups and businesses that teach employees how to deal with stress and mental illness.
Help individuals take charge of their mental health and well-being by giving them access to educational opportunities, expert advice, and practical decision-making resources.
According to Dr. DenBoer, the best way to direct public health innovations is to collect data on employees’ well-being and do preventative and biological research.
The utilization of community health professionals to connect patients with local mental health and drug misuse prevention programs is one example of a strategy aimed at reaching individuals in disadvantaged areas (for example, churches and community centers).
The Staff
If they are not already, Dr. John DenBoer suggests that businesses promote employee wellness by providing stress management and mental health training.
Please get the help and training they need to maintain or reclaim their mental health by participating in employer-sponsored programs and events.
Act as committed wellness advocates and, where relevant, attend workshops on issues like financial planning and handling inappropriate conduct and attitudes on the job.
The use of first-person narratives to dispel stereotypes is encouraged.
Maintain an accepting attitude toward the thoughts and emotions of your coworkers. Show compassion, rally the troops, and urge onlookers to get aid if they need it.
Take up activities that can help you relax and keep your mind healthy. Dr. DenBoer recommends a healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthily, being physically active, and sleeping for 7 to 8 hours.
Participate in stress-reduction and relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or tai chi. Invest time into developing meaningful relationships with actual people.
To pause and share joy and appreciation for life’s good fortune. Plan for and take steps toward achieving personal, health, and professional objectives, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.
