How To Promote Mental Health Wellness At Workplace
Stress has become the byword for professional life in the present day. Stress and anxiety at work can often lead to deeper mental health issues and depression. Mental health issues including depression, is not something with apparent external symptoms. As has been emphasized countless times, depression has no face. A depressed person will most probably look calm and composed on the outside. Same is the case with several other mental health issues.
Competition and stress at workplaces can lead to onset or escalation of anxiety, depression and other issues. This World Mental Health let's talk about how to make workplace less stressful and more inclusive toward those suffering from some mental health issue.
Mental Health Issues: Still A Taboo At WorkplacesIn a survey by Silver Ribbon Singapore (SRS), 6 out of 10 employees admitted to hiding their depression from employers. 23.4% were afraid of putting job at risk, while 12.8% felt that the employer would not understand their condition.
The first step toward creating an inclusive space is to ward off the stigma attached to mental health issues. The taboo around these issues is one of the prime reasons that people refrain from talking about it.
Dr. Lee Cheng, president of SRS, a non-profit mental health advocacy organisation, said at the Silver Ribbon Workplace Emotional Health and Wellness Summit, "When society becomes more accepting, (people with mental illnesses) will be comfortable declaring their conditions on their own."
How To Create A Mental Health Friendly WorkplaceA positive reception of those who talk about their mental health issues can have a favorable impact on workplaces. A mental health friendly workplace will not only attract more employees but will also reduce staff turnover and the cost of training and recruitment.
To begin with workplaces can be made more mental health friendly by encouraging employees to talk about their issues if any. This can be done through seminars or workshops or through simple team building exercises. Companies or organizations should also regularly appreciate employees and workers and build a supportive environment for them.
Organizations should also promote an organizational culture which reflects its belief system. They can also include mental health wellness in their policies and provide support to employees who need it.
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