Author: Gwe Emilien Yehse
Date of Publication: 26/09/2022
Globalization has greatly influenced the world and the way we live our everyday lives. Its major impact on technological innovation drove employers and employees to match the competition in order to survive. Hence, creativity is at its top and with that comes a lot of pressure on staff. The latter then makes mental health awareness in the workplace an important aspect. Also, promoting mental health in the workplace will help lower the rate of anxiety, stress and depression. These are what employees are facing and in this era of globalization. So, mental health awareness is a necessity in the workplace.
Causes of Mental Illness at work
It is important to note that mental illnesses result from a host of factors especially when there is no balance between an employee's work and private life. These factors become worse over time, creating an effect on life and which extends to society. The main causes of mental Illnesses at work includes:
• An Unfavorable working environment.
• Longer Working Hours.
• No room for Work-Life Balance.
• Poor Relationship between the employers and employees.
• No Work and safety policies at work.
However, the above-mentioned risk factors can harm mental health which will put a strain on productivity. This happens if anyone handles them properly. So, once a company or organization tries to identify and resolve these mental health issues affecting work, the workplace will be conducive to work.
Tips for being Mentally Healthy in the workplace
Furthermore, maintaining and managing mental health in the workplace will allow employees to create a work-life balance. Therefore, to be mentally healthy in the workplace, you need to follow the tips below:
● Employers should try to manage and resolve workplace conflicts.
● Organizing mental health days at work to discuss mental health issues
● A working environment that allows for proper decision-making.
● Regulating working hours to create a work-life balance.
● Maintaining good relationship with employees.
● Enabling job appreciation.
● Reassuring employees of job security.
More so, the tips above need to be carefully treated to ensure a mentally healthy workplace for all. In fact, it is the sole responsibility of both the employers and employees to identify these areas. The employers at their end must ensure that relaxation spaces are available at work. In addition, they should try to provide mental health self-accessing tools. For example, such tools are work-life balance quizzes, mood assessment checklists and online alcohol and drug help centers. Yet bear in mind that this will go a long way in managing employees with Mental Health issues. Also, the employees have a great role to play by creating time to talk to colleagues about their difficulties. Taking time off work helps to reflect on life and private issues, seeking help if the need arises and engaging in self-care activities. For instance, some activities could be meditation, deep breathing and taking a walk. They should also try to attend mental health talks organized by their organizations or companies. Lastly, employees need to ensure their physical health is intact.
Besides supporting mental health in the workplace, there is a need for a mental health first aid department in the workplace to readily offer help. Once employers and employees follow the above tips, then the workplace will seem perfect enough for everyone to carry out their tasks effectively.
Benefits of Mental Health in the workplace
Mental health awareness in the workplace will result in:
● Good communication.
● High Job Performance.
● High productivity.
● Good decision-making.
● A healthy work-life balance.
● Reduced cases of stress, depression and anxiety.
Therefore, promoting mental health in the workplace will help reduce the number of early retirements which will continue to boost societal growth. The workplace should be like a home where employers and employees don’t feel ashamed talking about health crises and seeking help. Thus, both parties take the responsibility of ensuring a mentally healthy workplace.