Have you ever heard the Latin phrase “mens sana in corpore sano”? It basically means that in order to be mentally healthy, you need to first take care of your physical health: exercising, eating fresh food, and maintaining your health. A healthy body is necessary for a healthy mind.
So of course, the opposite is true as well: the mind can actually have negative effects on the body. So, if you want to be physically healthy, you must also pay attention to your mental health.
Mental health is a growing concern in today's world. Mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, or burnout that were once considered a character flaw are now considered normal and can be openly discussed and addressed.
Demanding jobs, economic stresses, global conflicts, and political uncertainty all add up to stressed out employees. We are all humans first and employees second, so we bring our stresses to work. What can employers do to create a supportive, mentally healthy workplace?
Open Communication
Encouraging employees to talk about everyday job frustrations can be a powerful hedge against stress. Open dialogue, honest communication, and a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their struggles without fear of judgment or stigma can help reduce stress and identify early signs of distress. Open communication is the fastest route to identify solutions and eliminate the sources of frustrations.
Work-Life Balance
By promoting work-life balance, employers can create a supportive environment where employees are able to pay sufficient attention to all aspects of their life: work, family, self-care, and the pursuit of interests like hobbies, volunteering, or education. Offering a hybrid work model can be a way to give employees time back (link to article).
Leadership & Management
When leaders prioritize their own mental well-being, they set an example for their team members. By openly discussing their own challenges and seeking support, they normalize mental health concerns and encourage others to do the same.
Support & Connection
Research consistently demonstrates that being part of a community, including feeling supported and connected to their colleagues, is beneficial to mental health. Make sharing positive feedback (specific, not generic ... nobody needs generic rah rah feedback) a company priority. Help employees recognize the purpose in their work by connecting what they do to the company’s vision and goals. Create opportunities for social interaction, such as team-building activities or virtual coffee breaks for those working remotely. Employers can help employees build strong relationships and seek out their colleagues not just for work, but also for a chat.
Physical Workspace
The physical workspace can also impact your employees’ mental health. Overcrowded spaces, noisy offices, and poorly or harshly lit environments increase stress and decrease productivity and morale. Think about adding natural light, create quiet spaces for breaks, make employee safety a priority, and carve out areas where employees can connect and recharge.
Mental Health Resources
Make mental health resources available to employees. These resources can be books, articles, papers or apps such as Headspace and Calm. Encourage your employees to take advantage of mental health resources if you offer them, or if you don't, arrange for a counselor to make themselves available for a few days of walk-in (or Zoom in) private consults. Invite a local yoga instructor to come in and do a paid intro session (or 10) to attract new students (win/win for everyone). Even better, ask your employees how the company might help them reduce anxiety.
Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not a luxury. It is a necessity. By fostering open communication, promoting work-life balance, providing strong leadership, and offering support and resources, organizations can create a more supportive and mentally healthy environment. By taking these steps, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, empower employees to seek help, and ultimately create a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. Thriving organizations are only made possible by thriving employees.
