World Mental Health Day: Workplace Mental Health
Written by Hayley Abbott, Leopard Co.
For over 30 years, every year on the 10th October we celebrate World Mental Health Day. People across the globe unite to promote education and awareness and to advocate together against the stigma attached to mental health.
This year, the theme is workplace mental health – focusing on the importance of addressing wellbeing in the workplace and ensuring employees are respected and supported in the correct ways.
Make yourself comfortable
Most of us can probably agree we feel better within ourselves when we’re in an environment which makes us feel comfortable, so it’s no surprise that your physical workplace can have a significant impact on mental health.
Aside from the work itself, the environment in which you’re working can risk negatively impacting your wellbeing. Factors which can contribute to a poor workplace environment include:
- Minimal space for privacy.
- Lack of comfort.
- Poor lighting.
- Temperature.
- Ergonomic factors.
It’s important that the space you’re working in isn’t just designed to fit everyone, but to accommodate the individual needs and preferences of the team too. Some simple solutions employers can include are:
- Ergonomic workstations, such as standing desks.
- Quiet spaces for meetings or to allow employees a calmer space to focus.
- Ensuring there is adequate lighting throughout the premises.
- Making sure the workplace is properly ventilated to reduce chances of physical sickness.
The company we keep
Having a great office space is fantastic, but without a good company culture to go with it you won’t see any benefits. A positive company culture ensures all employees feel welcome, safe and supported – and can significantly uplift employee wellbeing and productivity.
It’s vital that we foster a working environment in which colleagues feel able to speak openly about their mental health, rather than one which undermines and undervalues the necessity of wellbeing.
In most workplaces, promoting a positive workplace culture starts at the top – having a leadership team which models empathy and understanding. By showing and, importantly, proving to employees that they’re in a safe and open-minded environment, the whole team will feel more relaxed and able to be honest.
Workload is also a huge part of fostering a positive company culture – unrealistic demands and expectations on employees can cause stress, anxiety and burnout for employees. It’s important that there is an open channel of communication to ensure employees are able to cope with their workload – which will also help ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Companies which value a work-life balance for their team are likely to see much happier employees, as individuals are able to take time to switch off from their work and focus on self-care and replenishing themselves. After all, while your job is important, your own wellbeing is much more so.
So, what’s the verdict?
It’s clear that work can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing – from the physical space you work in to the culture surrounding you. While the occasional stressful day is to be expected in most workplaces, you should never find yourself feeling stretched to the maximum. Rather, your employer should be supporting you to look after yourself and your wellbeing by fostering an environment in which you feel comfortable and able to reach out for support if needed.
Stay up to date with the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce and the Wellbeing Working Group for more helpful advice and sessions on taking care of your mental health HERE.