Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10 each year, is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. In recent years, discussions around mental health have gained momentum, and rightly so.?

But one critical aspect that people shy away or avoid is mental health in the workplace. Creating wellness and supporting mental health in the workplace is no longer a nice to have, but a necessity.?

In light of World Suicide Prevention Day, let us delve into the significance of World Suicide Prevention Day and explore the vital role that employers and employees play in fostering a mentally healthy workplace.?

Importance of discussing workplace mental health

Employees spend a significant portion of their lives in the workplace. It's not only a source of livelihood but also a place that can impact the mental well-being of an individual. The work environment and work culture highly influence an employee's mental health, shaping their overall happiness and productivity.

A supportive and collaborative workplace can be a sanctuary, a space where employees feel valued, understood, and motivated. In such an environment, they are more likely to thrive both personally and professionally. On the other hand, a negative and over-pressuring work atmosphere can lead to distress and burnout and in severe cases, contribute to mental health issues.

Here are things employers can do to support the mental health of employees? :

• Promoting self-care?and encouraging open discussion regarding emotional well-being foster understanding and help individuals access support as necessary. Companies can contribute significantly to nurturing a culture of empathy and acceptance. Proving regular breaks, outings and exercise can help de-stress and relax at work.
• Extending a range of well-being provisions, such as access to counseling services or employee assistance programs, can offer substantial support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
• Acknowledging the uniqueness of each person's mental health journey, flexible work arrangements can adapt to employees' requirements, reducing stress and mitigating burnout .
• Empowering managers and employees with the ability to recognize signs of emotional distress and equipping them with tools for resolution can be transformative.