Workplace stress and mental health are two of the biggest issues facing employees across industries today. While many companies have implemented policies and programs that aim to create a safe environment for their employees, it’s important to remember that these initiatives can only be effective if everyone buys into them. So how can employers foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health?
Education
The first step to creating a safe and supportive workplace is providing information on mental health. This can include:
- Information on how mental health affects the workplace, including statistics about the prevalence of certain disorders in different industries
- A breakdown of what types of symptoms are common in various disorders and how they manifest themselves
- Information on where employees can go for help if they suspect their work environment is affecting their mental health
Create a comfortable environment
- Provide a comfortable place to work. It’s easy to get used to the way things are done, but it’s important that you constantly evaluate your office layout and workspace conditions. Is there adequate lighting? Are there windows and natural light? Does the temperature feel right? Does everyone have access to furniture they find comfortable?
- Provide a quiet space. If employees need to make phone calls or hold confidential conversations, provide them with an area where they can do so without creating distractions for coworkers or customers. The same goes for breaks: create designated spaces away from open offices or cubicles where employees can relax quietly without being disturbed by others working around them – this will help them recharge their batteries between meetings!
Stigma reduction
Stigma is a barrier that prevents people from getting the support they need. It can be reduced by educating employees on mental health and offering resources to them. Encouraging open discussions about mental illness, providing resources, and offering support are all effective ways to reduce stigma in the workplace.
Work on fostering a supportive environment
Mental health care, should not just be viewed as a benefit to the employees as a first, having a workforce that is happy and comfortable in their work environment has a huge amount of measurable benefits to the business too!
- Creating guidelines and policies that support the mental health of all employees
- Working with employees who have been affected by mental illness to understand their needs better
- Providing support for those who have suffered from severe mental illness in the past or are currently suffering from it
