Enhancing Mental Health in the Workplace: A Priority for Business Owners and Teams

I like to think of myself as a people person. I would much rather be out of the office meeting people than stuck behind my desk shuffling paper. Luckily for me as the Managing Director of Greentree Software UK I can set my own agenda. I am therefore constantly travelling across the UK and the USA meeting with existing business clients, prospects and Greentree partners. My personal observations have, to a large extent, confirmed the constant media and expert feedback about the mental health pressures that people in the small to medium sized business sector are experiencing.

Whilst I do not profess to being a qualified mental health therapist, I do meet and talk with many people and undertake considerable research in order to help everyone I deal with. Nobody could seriously argue against the fact that one of our most valuable business assets is our people, be they business’s owners or the amazing (in most cases) people working in SME’s everywhere. As we forge ahead with our professional goals and objectives, it is easy to forget the significance of the need for nurturing the mental well-being within our businesses. A workplace that prioritises mental health creates a positive and thriving environment for both business owners and staff.

The following are from my observations and research of issues that can assist in overcoming mental health issues in the workplace:

Emphasise Self-Care

As leaders, it starts with us. By prioritising our own self-care, we set the tone for our teams to emulate. We must encourage staff to engage in activities that promote well-being, whether it's dedicating time to family, hobbies or practicing relaxation techniques.

Managing Stress Wisely

The SME landscape can be very demanding as we usually don’t have the depth of resources to call on that the larger companies have, and stress can take its toll. We can Offer resources and workshops on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, to empower employees with effective coping strategies.

Cultivate Open Communication

A culture of open communication is essential and seen by the younger generations as far more important than my generation ever thought. Great SME’s create an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Encouraging one-on-one check-ins to foster a deeper understanding of their needs can only help all involved.

Striking the Balance

Work-life balance is not just a buzzword; it's a crucial aspect of today’s mental health. Encouraging staff to find equilibrium between professional commitments and personal life, ensures that they have time for rejuvenation and self-care. Looking back over my many decades of working life, it would have been nice to have this mindset from when I first started out.

Investing in Growth

Support the growth of your team by providing opportunities for professional development. Engaged employees who feel their skills are valued are more likely to experience job satisfaction. This also improves retention, knowledge, skills, experience and wellbeing but also saves on those high recruitment costs and inconveniences.

Foster Peer Support

In an SME setting, collaboration is key. Encourage team members to be supportive and empathetic towards one another, creating a cohesive and compassionate work environment. OK, we all know that this does not always come easily to everyone, but as Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

Celebrate Achievements

Recognising and celebrating achievements, big or small, goes a long way in boosting morale. Appreciating the efforts of the team enhances motivation and a positive sense of accomplishment. Everyone likes a pat on the back and hearing that they did well, even if they might not acknowledge it in public.

Mental Health Resources

Make mental health resources accessible. Provide access to counselling services or employee assistance programs that ensure confidentiality and support. There are lots of Mental Health care support services that can be accessed. Sometimes just knowing that this is available is enough to give comfort to someone who is struggling. There are many free Apps and other resources available with a simple google search.

Flexibility for All

In the ever-evolving business landscape, flexible work policies can be a game-changer. Consider implementing policies that cater to individual needs while maintaining productivity. Yes, I hear you say that not everyone believes in give and take and some staff will just take and take. Look after your staff and by and large they will look after you, often paying back more than the flexibility you provide.

Regular Check-Ins

Regularly check in with your team to gauge their well-being and provide any necessary support. Demonstrating genuine care reinforces a culture of compassion. During Covid when staff primarily worked from home for long periods and were subject to more isolation than they were used to, I instigated a practice where I would call everyone on a regular basis to just ask how they were doing? No work talk, no grilling, just a check in. I was amazed at how appreciative people were that I had reached out.

Navigating Conflict Gracefully

Most of us need to do this better, we need to address conflicts with professionalism and empathy. Encourage open dialogue and even when its hard aim to resolve issues amicably, fostering a harmonious work environment pays off for everyone involved.

Organisational Commitment

As business owners, we all need to demonstrate our genuine commitment to mental health by taking it seriously and allocating resources and support for well-being initiatives. An organisation that values its people thrives together. If you want to know more, check out this article on “Mental health in in the workplace” or one of the myriad of other articles available online.

I like to think that we can all grow beyond the conservative, stiff upper lip mentality that many of us grew up with to seriously embrace addressing mental health issues in an informed and caring manner. It is an essential part of our SME workplace journey. By prioritising the well-being of everyone we deal with, we cultivate a workplace where everyone can flourish. A healthy mind is a powerful asset, contributing to the long-term success of our business and the fulfilment of our team.

Harry Mowat, Managing Director,?Greentree Software Limited - UK