ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR WORKPLACE TO MAGNIFY PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY
ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR WORKPLACE TO MAGNIFY PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY
Mental health in the workplace is something no employer wants to discuss. Many business owners assume that the mental health of their employees is none of their business.
But the way employees think, feel and behave impacts everything from productivity and communication to their ability to maintain safety in the world.
Sometimes, we feel down, stressed or frightened. Mostly, those feelings pass, but sometimes they develop into a mental health problem like anxiety or depression, which can impact on our lives.
Poverty, genetics, childhood trauma, discrimination, or ongoing physical illnesses are some major factors that develop mental health problems, but it can happen to anybody. Different mental health problems affect people in differently and it's key to understand an individual's experience.
Here, employers can play a major role by helping employees improve their mental health to enhance an individual's well-being and also the health of the entire organization. It should come as no surprise that employees with a healthy mind are more productive, but you may not realize the full impact.
The reason is clear: An employee's mental state, if bad, and if left unsolved, will probably manifest in the workplace and affect this individual's performance.
But unfortunately, disorders like anxiety and depression often go undetected for months or years. And unlike physical illnesses, mental health issues are more challenging to pinpoint.
So employers should help their workers combat mental illness and mental issues- for both the worker's sake and for the sake of their organizations.
By starting a discussion about mental well being in the workplace, companies can provide that tools employees needs, and support their workforce requirements without violating their privacy rights
Maybe, your employees are already dealing with a problem. However, they may not be acknowledging it as an issue, and if they, may not be sure of how to deal with it.
The range of mental health problems that exist is wide, so whether an employee is suffering temporary stress or a chronic anxiety disorder, he or she needs to learn from the signs and ways to better cope with the issue.
Invite an expert mental health professional to educate employees about the signs and symptoms of common problems. Encourage an open discussion that will allow your employees to ask a question, so the stigma of mental illness will begin to fade.
Many people suffer from mental health but they may not know what to do about it or treatments are available. Make sure that everyone is aware of the advantages of your company currently offers, and know those options.
When employees are confused about the treatment covered by their insurance or another benefit, it is unlikely that they will ask their employer or HR department about it. Here, you need to be proactive by clearly explaining the support available.
Inform employees about local support groups that meet to deal with different issues. That way, they will get some resources they can turn to if they experience a particularly stressful time or a painful life even.
One of the best ways to create a culture that supports mental health is to make sure people experience their works in a purposeful and meaningful way.
You can achieve it by providing your employees autonomy and resources. When your team feels support and independence, and that you trust them to do what they do, they will be happier at work that will reduce the risk of mental health issues.
· Always consider the psychological impact of the change before implementing a new process or procedure
· Develop a policy statement reflecting your organization's commitment to make workplace mental health a priority
· Make strong policies and practices for workplace harassment, violence, and bullying. Time-to-time, review your current policies and procedures and think about how they can contribute to issues of violence and harassment
· Develop substance abuse policies and make sure that everyone is aware of them
· Talk about stress management, self-care and mental health in meetings; it will reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
You and your employees spend at least eight hours at work every day, and the emotion experienced there is often home also. Creating a workspace that prioritizes mental health not only enhances the quality of life, but it also contributes to a more successful business.
Addressing this issue is also vital to avoid burnout, mental breakdowns and reduce suicide risk. When you invest in the mental well-being of your employees and foster an open dialogue about the workplace and a culture where people are happy to work.
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