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Prioritising mental health in the workplace: 6 steps for a healthier, happier team
Today is World Mental Health Day 2024. This year's theme, "Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace," encourages us to rethink the importance of mental wellbeing at work. Mental health doesn't just affect individuals—it impacts the entire organisation. A workplace that supports mental health creates a culture where everyone can thrive, work productively, and feel valued.
Why mental health at work matters
Mental health concerns like anxiety and depression are significant issues that cost over 12 billion working days globally each year. Not only does this affect productivity, but it also affects employee morale and job satisfaction. Focusing on mental health creates an environment where employees feel supported and perform at their best.
The connection between mental health and work is evident. Workplaces can either protect or harm mental health, depending on the level of support provided. Job insecurity, overwhelming workloads, and poor work-life balance can contribute to stress and burnout. But when mental wellbeing is prioritised, employees are more engaged, happier, and better equipped to handle challenges.
How to prioritise mental health in your workplace
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Create a culture of openness
The first step to supporting mental health is creating an environment where employees feel safe discussing their wellbeing. Encouraging open conversations and reducing stigma around mental health issues is vital. Leaders should take the initiative to share their experiences and create a culture of vulnerability. When employees see that it's okay to speak up, they are more likely to seek help when needed.
By normalising these conversations, organisations can foster an atmosphere of trust and compassion where employees feel understood and valued.
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Encourage work-life balance
Workplace stress is often tied to unmanageable workloads and long hours. It's crucial to set clear, realistic expectations and promote a balance between work and personal life. Encouraging regular breaks, discouraging overtime, and ensuring employees take their annual leave are critical steps to maintaining mental wellbeing.
By doing this, organisations can help reduce the risk of burnout and ensure employees return to work recharged and more productive.
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Implement employee assistance programs (EAPs)
Employee assistance programs provide essential support by offering confidential counselling services for both personal and work-related challenges. These programs make it easier for employees to seek help for issues like stress, anxiety, or family pressures, knowing that their wellbeing is a priority.
EAPs are a simple yet effective way to provide ongoing support to employees and ensure their mental health needs are met.
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Offer mental health training
Training programs like mental health first aid empower managers and staff to recognise the signs of mental distress. These programs enable colleagues to act as first responders, offering support to those who might be struggling. This proactive approach not only helps individuals at the moment but also fosters a sense of community within the workplace.
By equipping employees with the skills to support each other, workplaces can create a more empathetic and supportive environment.
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Incorporate mindfulness and stress-reduction strategies
Mindfulness practices can significantly reduce workplace stress. Incorporating meditation, breathing exercises, or creating quiet spaces for relaxation can help employees manage their mental health during the workday. These simple techniques encourage a calm and focused mindset, assisting employees to stay balanced even in high-pressure environments.
Encouraging mindful activities like walking meetings or designated break areas helps employees recharge, which ultimately benefits both their mental health and productivity.
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Lead by example
Leaders play a crucial role in promoting mental health within an organisation. When leadership openly discusses mental health and models self-care—such as taking regular breaks and maintaining healthy boundaries—it encourages employees to do the same.
When leaders prioritise their own wellbeing, it sets a positive example for the rest of the team. This creates a ripple effect, fostering a culture where mental health is taken seriously at every level.
Conclusion
Prioritising mental health in the workplace is not just about preventing burnout—it's about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. A workplace that values mental health sees better engagement, productivity, and overall happiness. This World Mental Health Day, take the steps towards a healthier, happier workplace by making mental health a priority all year round.
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selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
