World Day for Safety and Health at Work – More Than Just Physical

April 28 marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work , which recognizes that a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work. While a lot of the focus is on the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, I think we also need to continue to shine a light on employees’ mental health.

There are the physical attributes to almost every job – do people feel they work in an environment safe from hazards and physical harm. But there’s also the other workplace dynamics, including power imbalances, bullying, lack of meaning, alienation, dehumanization, work stress, and burnout.?These can have a significant impact on overall job satisfaction, productivity, quality of life, and mental health. And, when employees struggle, the organization struggles. Retention and engagement drop as well as overall performance. Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is a must.

At 英迈 , we’ve put a lot of focus on our associates’ mental well being over the past few years. Some areas of concentration include:

• Promoting Open Communication: We’ve worked to create a safe and supportive environment where associates feel comfortable discussing any mental health concerns or challenges they may be facing. Our Employee Resource Groups have been instrumental in this. Regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, and creating channels for employees to seek help and support are also effective. Employees should also be encouraged to communicate their workload, stress levels, and any other challenges that may be affecting their mental health. But it’s not just lip service. Active listening, empathy and action are also key.
• Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: We offer access to mental health resources in through a global employee assistance program (EAP) that provides confidential counseling services, mental health helplines, and resources for finding mental health professionals in the community. Having mental health resources readily available and visible in the workplace can encourage employees to seek help and support when needed.
• Foster a Supportive Work Culture: We promote inclusivity, respect, and diversity in the workplace, and actively address any bullying, discrimination, or harassment issues that may arise. In addition to regular feedback, we work to recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of our associates. A handwritten note can go along way.
• Promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Mental health issues can affect any individual, and creating a workplace culture that is understanding and supportive of mental health can help break down barriers.

We saw the toll the pandemic had on our friends, family, and possibly ourselves. We’re still learning about the impact that had and will continue to have. Mental health care is still evolving and the workplace approach to associate mental health needs to as well. Supporting people with the necessary resources and care is the right thing to do. It’s not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic investment in creating a healthy and thriving work environment.