Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall health. This heightened awareness is largely due to the efforts of both national and international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), which have worked tirelessly to highlight, prioritize, and destigmatize mental health issues in the public discourse. As a result, mental health awareness permeates every stage and aspect of life, including the workplace. This year, the theme for World Mental Health Day is mental health in the workplace, a topic that focuses on the unique challenges we encounter in our workplace environment where we spend a significant portion of our time.
World Mental Health Day
Back in 1992, the WHO officially named October 10th as World Mental Health Day. Their goal was to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote understanding. Since then, this annual observance has gained momentum worldwide, emphasizing the need for mental health advocacy and support. The day serves as a global reminder of the importance of mental health in which we collectively recognize the impact of mental well-being on our lives, relationships, and productivity. Each year, the WHO and its partner organizations designate a theme for the day, and this year, mental health in the workplace raises awareness about the specific challenges at issue in the workplace.
Prioritizing Mental Health at Work
Work is a fundamental part of adult life. Whether we love or hate what we do, the workplace can be stressful. It is tied to so many critical aspects of our lives, including income, achievement, and human interaction. Tight deadlines, high expectations, and long hours contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. These workplace stressors can adversely affect both mental and physical health, leading to decreased productivity and job satisfaction. While it is no surprise that the workplace can impact our mental health, stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to obtaining help. In fact, many employees hesitate to discuss their struggles openly due to fear of judgment or professional repercussions. This silence can perpetuate misunderstandings and hinder efforts to create a supportive work environment. Furthermore, access to mental health resources varies widely across different workplaces. Not all employers provide adequate support in the form of counseling, mental health days, or supportive policies. This lack of resources can leave employees feeling isolated and without the necessary tools to manage their mental health effectively.
Employers Can Take Proactive Steps
To foster a mentally healthy workplace, consider these three actionable steps:
- Normalize Conversations: Encourage open dialogue about mental health. When colleagues feel safe discussing their well-being, it reduces stigma and promotes understanding.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Strive for balance. Encourage breaks, discourage excessive overtime, and support flexible work arrangements. Remember that productivity thrives when employees are mentally rested and fulfilled.
- Invest in Training: Provide managers and team leaders with mental health training. They play a pivotal role in recognizing signs of distress, offering support, and connecting employees with appropriate resources.
Employees Can Own Their Mental Health
Taking care of one’s mental health in the workplace is not just the responsibility of employers; employees need to be aware of their own needs. Here are three actionable steps employees can take to tend to their mental health at work:
- Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for maintaining mental well-being. This can include setting specific work hours, taking regular breaks, and disconnecting from work emails and tasks during personal time. By respecting these boundaries, employees can reduce stress and prevent burnout.
- Practice Self-Care: Incorporate self-care routines into daily work life to significantly enhance mental health. This might involve mindfulness practices, exercise, or simply taking time for hobbies and activities that bring joy. Self-care helps to recharge and provides a buffer against work-related stress.
- Seek Support: If work-related stress becomes overwhelming, seeking support is vital. Employees should feel empowered to approach their managers or human resources for assistance. Use counseling services or employee assistance programs, or contact other mental health resources in your community for guidance.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to fostering workplaces where mental well-being isn’t an afterthought but a priority. Taking care of our mental health needs to be a part of every aspect of our lives.
If you are struggling with a stressful situation at work or simply need mental health counseling, contact the WBMA team to learn how we can help.
