Promoting Employee Well-being: Advocating for Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

According to a recent survey conducted by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (DTTILLP), approximately 47 per cent of professionals polled considered workplace-related stress to be the most significant factor affecting their mental health (Deloitte, 2022 ). The poor mental health of Indian employees and its effects on their performance and productivity were estimated to cost Indian employers an additional US$ 14 billion annually in this report. These statistics illustrate the level of worker satisfaction in the nation and urge employers to promote mental health awareness and foster supportive workplaces.?

The stigma surrounding mental health issues in the workplace is common, but in order to have a happy and effective workplace, it is crucial to prioritize mental health awareness. To realize the dream of a "happy workplace," employers must begin prioritizing their employees' well-being and engage in more open and uplifting conversations about mental health.

Breaking the Stigma: Promoting Open Discussions About Mental Health

Employers must first de-stigmatize mental health in order to promote mental health literacy in the workplace. Senior management can achieve this by talking about their personal and professional struggles with mental health.

Another way to break the stigma surrounding mental health is to create a supportive environment in which everyone feels comfortable sharing their struggles and concerns with one another. This will not only help to raise awareness about mental health, but it may also lead to instilling teamwork values in employees.?

Furthermore, employers must support their employees' well-being by implementing mental health interventions that are tailored to their specific needs.

Workplace Mental Health Interventions: A Guide for Employers

Recent research suggests a positive relationship between employee effectiveness and mental health, which supports overall organizational productivity. For employers seeking organizational productivity, it is critical to first ensure employee mental well-being. Here are some effective mental health interventions that employers can implement to promote employee well-being throughout their organization: (National Library of Medicine, 2022 )

• Corporate Wellness Programs- These programs are designed to assist employees in achieving work-life balance by implementing strategies such as "wellness-related leaves" and "wellness sessions." The key components of these programs are relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and stress management sessions.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)- These are workplace interventions designed to assist employees in dealing with personal issues that may be affecting their performance. Both employers and employees benefit from these because they help to increase employee productivity, lower absenteeism, and boost employee retention.?
• Employee Wellbeing Programs: These initiatives aim to address different aspects of wellness, including mental, emotional, and physical health. Under these interventions, employers are expected to provide mental health services to their employees on the same level as other health services.
• Peer Support Programs- Organizations must educate their employees on psychological first aid and peer counselling through peer support programs. This will allow employees to show empathy and compassion for others, ultimately forming an emotional bond between employees and employers and making the workplace a pleasant place to work.

Recognizing the Role of Employers in Mental Health Support

Every organization must tailor their wellness programs to their employees' specific needs and preferences, which requires employers to make an active effort. Here are some strategies that employers can use to promote a safe workplace:

• Encourage Collaboration- Create team-building activities to increase workplace teamwork.
• Promote Grievance Resolution Mechanisms- Listen to your employees more and address their concerns.
• Take Feedbacks- Feedback can be a great way to allow employees to express any concerns they may have and build a two-way communication channel.
• Flexible Work Options- Introduce flexible work culture and create more hybrid spaces to promote work-life balance in employees.
• Offer Support- Psychological counselling services and other forms of mental support can help reduce stigma around mental health conditions and create mental health awareness in the workplace.

UWC: Fostering a Culture of Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

Organizations can reduce stigma, boost engagement among workers, and enhance general well-being by promoting a culture of mental health awareness. These improvements have a positive impact on the output and performance of the employees.

At United We Care, our team of experienced counsellors and wellness professionals strives to provide effective mental health interventions and to create more psychologically aware workplaces. Don’t forget to unlock the potential of your organization with a mentally thriving workforce. Learn more about our evidence-based mental health interventions and the effects they have on employee well-being.?

Always Remember…

To prioritize your employees' mental health! Connect with us for comprehensive mental health interventions tailored to your organization's needs. Together, we can create a mentally resilient workforce. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can support your employees' mental health.