Mental Health @workplace Matters

I was driving a happiness initiative at my workplace, the initiative was based on the ‘wheel of life’ concept where employees can assess where they stand in all important areas of their life – Family and friends, Physical and mental health, Career and finance and Social life. The intent of the program was to help employees take a step back and take a helicopter view of their life to understand which area of their life needs attention. 

We also had a counsellor available on the spot for the employees to speak with, when I met with the counsellor at the end of the event and asked her about her day, she said you would need to take care of your employee’s mental health.

Recalling that interaction, I thought of picking up mental illness as a topic to speak on as it is more relevant now. We have realized that, mental health issues are on the rise due to the global pandemic, we are feeling exhausted, work is life for most and life without work is misery for few and we don’t know when we will get over it. 

What is Mental illness?

Experts believe that mental illnesses are caused by genetic, social and environmental factors, or some combination. Anxiety and depression are among the most common conditions.

Mental wellbeing, what are the research findings?

As per the mental health at work report 2019 by Mind share partners, 61% of the workers said their productivity was affected by their mental health. 37% workers said their work environment contributed to the symptoms. It is therefore, important for organizations to cultivate and facilitate a culture of openness, honesty and transparency to de-stigmatize mental health.

Why is mental health important?

It is said that workplaces that promote mental health and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and benefit from associated economic gains.

How to assist employees with the mental illness?

Possible ways to support employees are| - storytelling, let people share their story how they successfully dealt with their mental illness, workshops and wellness sessions by experts, training the people managers to identify the symptoms of mental illness and accordingly help their team members, self-help toolkits such as HRA/ MHQ, on call therapist to name a few.

What are the common types of mental illness?

Conclusion -

It is utmost important for leaders to communicate to their employees that we all are in this together, we understand that this global pandemic has left us confused, unstable, concerned and mental illness is prevailing in most of us in a varying intensity in some form or the other. The cure is in our hand, we need to do a self-assessment and handle it as required, escaping or shying away will not be appropriate, seeking help is always good. They are required to make the employees aware of the of sources of support and where they can find help.

 I found, spreading consciousness about mental health and how to deal with it in my teams to be extremely effective and a game changer.

 I will look forward for your comment on, how you are dealing with the mental illness of employees and what resources you are providing to help them cope up and stay healthy?