Supporting mental health in the workplace

In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the focus on mental health in the workplace is discussed in light of the rising rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among young adults in the U.S. The article emphasizes the need for employers to be aware of their employees' mental health needs, as these issues can affect work engagement, job performance, and retention. However, there's a potential downside to overemphasizing mental health awareness, as it can inadvertently encourage individuals to fixate on their negative thoughts and feelings, potentially exacerbating anxiety and depression.

The cultural shift towards greater mental health awareness has been positive in terms of reducing stigma and improving access to mental health resources. Still, it may also lead people to perceive themselves as mentally fragile and unwell. The article suggests an "outward action approach" to mental health in the workplace, which encourages employees to engage in activities that promote psychological well-being rather than focusing inward on their negative thoughts and emotions.

Three evidence-based strategies for this approach are discussed:

1. Encouraging Acts of Kindness Toward Others: Research shows that engaging in acts of kindness towards others can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by redirecting individuals' attention away from their own problems. Employers can promote acts of kindness in the workplace, leading by example and creating opportunities for employees to help their colleagues and the community.
2. Promoting Physical Exercise: Physical exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. Exercise distracts individuals from their problems and reduces negative thinking associated with anxiety and depression. Employers can support physical exercise by offering gym memberships, organizing fitness activities, and encouraging employees to make time for physical activity during the workday.
3. Making Work Meaningful: Creating a sense of meaning in the workplace can be a powerful resource for good mental health. Focusing on how employees' work serves a greater good and contributes to the well-being of others can increase work meaningfulness and engagement. Employers can emphasize the importance of work with a broader societal impact and encourage employees to see how their contributions make a positive difference.

The article also mentions a report showing that a healthy workplace culture is more beneficial to employees' mental health than therapeutic resources and self-care apps. It suggests that employers should focus on creating a culture that promotes outward and action-oriented behaviors that improve mental health without overly fixating on mental health discussions.

As someone who has worked in the corporate sector for many years and led several teams, I've experienced the positive impact of these strategies firsthand. One of the practices I implemented with my teams was the creation of a weekly bake-off. Every Friday, team members would bake a cake or cook their version of pilau or biryani. This not only brought fun and creativity into the team but also had a remarkable effect on team morale and productivity. My teams were considered some of the happiest and most productive, emphasizing the importance of good mental health practices within the workplace.

However, I also believe that individual responsibility for mental health is essential, particularly in organizations where movement and human interaction are limited. Taking time for exercise, pursuing creative outlets like music or art, meeting friends, and playing games are valuable ways to maintain one's mental well-being outside of the workplace. By striking a balance between fostering a positive workplace culture and taking personal initiative for mental health, we can collectively contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.