Mental health in workspace 10 Tips for Better Mental Health

We all spend heaps of time at work, right? It’s like our second home. So, it’s no surprise that being happy at work is a big piece of the puzzle for a happy life.

here are some tips for better Mental health in a workspace

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Why Should We Care About Mental Health at Mental health in workspace?

Talking about mental health at work isn’t new. It’s super important because when folks aren’t feeling their best mentally, it can really hit a company’s wallet—like, to the tune of billions lost each year. Tons of places know it’s smart to look after their team’s mental health, offering cool benefits and support. Still, a lot of us wish our jobs would step it up a notch.

Many organizations already realize the need to support their workers’ mental health—through their employee/lifestyle benefits. As a report commissioned by the American Heart Association found, more than 8 out of every 10 employees state that their employer provides at least one form of mental health offer. But employees say they wish their employers did more.

Dodging Mental Health Traps at Work

Work can sometimes feel like a minefield of stress. This could be about not getting to use your skills right, drowning in too much work, or dealing with a super strict schedule.

Maybe you’re feeling stuck with what you’re doing, working in a cramped space, or dealing with a not-so-great vibe from coworkers. Or it could be about not having a say in your work, dealing with unfair treatment, or not seeing a clear path forward in your career.

For folks in jobs without solid protections, things like unsafe conditions, super long hours, and not enough support can really wear you down. And certain jobs—think nurses, aid workers, or firefighters—naturally have a lot more stress because of the tough stuff they see and do.

Big problems like recessions or health crises can make work stress even worse, leading to job losses and all the worries that come with that. Work can also bring out bigger issues in society, like discrimination or inequality, which can really mess with someone’s mental well-being.

Understanding all these stress spots is key to making work a better place for everyone’s mental health.

Here are 10 easy ways to help foster mental wellness in your workplace.

Encourage Open Dialogues on Mental Health: Set up regular opportunities or designated areas for employees to discuss mental health openly without fear of being judged. Host sessions with mental health experts to inform and educate your team. Share personal experiences from team members who’ve dealt with mental health issues, creating an environment of empathy and openness.
Spot and Tackle Burnout Early: Don’t underestimate job burnout; it’s a serious issue that can affect both physical and mental health. Signs to watch for include:

Overwhelming exhaustion affects concentration

Encourage Regular Breaks: Taking breaks is vital for recharging and boosting productivity. Encourage your team to step away for a bit, whether for a short walk or a few minutes of fresh air, especially when stress levels rise. Exercise and a change of scenery can work wonders for mental overload and creativity.
Keep Communication Clear: Nothing adds stress like uncertainty. Keep everyone in the loop about changes, expectations, and feedback. Open lines of communication foster trust, reduce anxiety and strengthen team dynamics.
Challenge Your Team: Monotony kills motivation. Spice things up with new projects or challenges to keep engagement high. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also promotes personal growth and talent retention.
Provide Mental Health Support: Offer access to mental health apps or counseling services through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Sharing resources regularly can help normalize seeking help and support mental wellness.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Create policies that discourage working outside of office hours and encourage downtime. Educating your team on the importance of boundaries can help maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Acknowledge Efforts and Achievements: Set up a recognition system to celebrate successes, both big and small. Offering personal development opportunities as rewards can show your appreciation and motivate your team.
Incorporate Wellness Activities: Organize wellness events, from fitness sessions to mental health workshops. Providing tools for self-care, like meditation guides, can support employees’ overall well-being.
Lead with Mental Health in Mind: Leadership should model healthy mental health practices and encourage the team to prioritize their well-being. Integrating mental health discussions into leadership meetings can underline its importance across all levels of the organization.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace is an ongoing effort that benefits from leadership down to every team member. By adopting these strategies, companies can foster an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and motivated to take care of their mental health. A focus on mental wellness not only leads to a happier team but also drives productivity and engagement. Making mental health a priority is not just good ethics; it’s good business.

Key facts

Decent work is good for mental health.

Poor working environments – including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity – pose a risk to mental health.

15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019.

Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

There are effective actions to prevent mental health risks at work, protect and promote mental health at work, and support workers with mental health conditions.