We spend most of our lives at work.
It is only normal then to continually try to achieve a healthy mental wellbeing at the workplace, as it is the number one productivity booster.
Wise employers know that the company’s overall performance improves when staff are healthy, motivated and focused. It is a scientific fact, backed by research, that employees who feel acknowledged, valued, and supported at work have higher wellbeing levels, show more commitment and loyalty towards their company, and have much higher productivity levels than employees who suffer a stressful or toxic work environment.
This correlation between the level of staff wellbeing business performance is called ‘employee engagement’.
So, what are the adjustments that employers can do in order to promote a healthier workplace?
For starters, awareness is key. It is very important for the staff to be given enough information on mental health and what support is available at work. Regular trainings and workshops dedicated towards mental health matters are also an excellent way to raise staff awareness and make them understand that their wellbeing is important.
Outsource a speaker. It can be a good approach to invite an outside mental health professional to an event organized at work as a panelist or a main speaker. Asking the staff which mental health professionals they feel would resonate with them most or what topic they’d like to tackle can give insight on their inner thoughts.
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Work on the company’s internal communications. Routine meetings, internal newsletters, useful web links and FAQs on the topics of mental health are all great ways to raise awareness on such topics among your staff. Create a system whereby each employee feels heard, either through direct and transparent contact channels with the HR or management without intimidation, or maybe through complaint boxes.
Enable a healthy work/life balance. Although long working hours and lack of breaks can make it seem like employer’s are getting the best out of their employees, sustained lack of work/life balance will affect employee’s productivity on the long run, which will eventually reflect negatively on the performance of the company. Therefore, it is important for employer’s to provide a working schedule that ensures working sensible hours, taking full lunch breaks, annual leaves, and mental health days off.
At the end of the day, communication is always the key, and keeping an open line of communication between employers and their staff is the best way to reach a healthy and productive workspace, together.