Integrating Mental Health Support in Corporates for Enhanced Employee Well-being and Increased Productivity
According to the American Psychological Association (2018), “everyone who has had a job has, at some point, felt the pressure of work-related stress.”
Some amount of stress can be a catalyst for a positive change, but when it surpasses an individual capacity to handle it, it reduces energy, productivity, and competence.
Mental Health issues have been steadily rising across the globe and a few major causes of stress could be, multiple work commitments, unrealistic targets, demanding timelines, peer pressure, food habits, and the need to maintain specific societal status which puts pressure on all fronts, including economics.
Importance of Mental Health in Workplace
In today’s fast-paced corporate world where every industry is growing exponentially, mental health of employees is paramount. Growth, Revenue, Targets, and Profits can be multiplied only when employees can deliver to their full potential. To do that, organizations need to create an environment where employees thrive and can maintain a higher level of productivity and satisfaction.
This significantly impacts an employee’s ability to work effectively. When an individual is under stress, anxiety, or any other Mental well-being issues, it can lead to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and increased turnover rates.
On the contrary, when employees are mentally healthy, they are more creative, self-motivated, and better equipped to handle workplace challenges. Thus, the decision of organizations to invest in mental health support for employees is not just a compassionate choice but also a strategic business requirement.
Programs for Mental Health Support to Employees:
Workplace-related stress doesn’t remain only at the place of work. Similarly, stress due to any personal reason tends to find its way into the workplace too. So, the programs designed by the organization need to be wholesome, encompassing all aspects of mental health. There are several ways companies can offer Mental well-being support to their employees:
1- Addressing Work-Related Stress: Right from freshers to experienced, at some point in time employees may feel burdened due to work either because of lack of understanding of how to perform a task or just too much workload. This coupled with poor leadership, no support system, or fear of failure will lead to mental stress.
Designing programs that improve individual quality of work will lead to professional development. Specific programs on delegation, planning &prioritizing, managing teams, coupled with right engagement activities, will help employees deal with work-related stress.
2- Psychological Counselling: Any kind of prolonged stress, if not managed at the right time, leads to burnout, anxiety, depression, and acute Mental well-being conditions. In such a situation seeking professional help becomes crucial. Providing access to professional mental health counselling or access to specialized therapy can be provided depending on severity of the condition.
- Individual: Certain habits (smoking, drugs, addictions…) and behaviors (anger, fear of speaking in public, feelings of loneliness, …) are the reason for someone to experience mental stress. These are to be addressed immediately so that they don’t become detrimental to the individual or cause any major untoward incidents at workplace.
- Family: Relationship or marital issues, parental care, concerns related to children’s education or behavior, bereavement, unresolved trauma, etc., can cause even the strongest of persons to go through mental stress. When organizations provide psychological counselling or therapy to address such problems, employees can seek professional help when needed and overcome them.
3- Wellness Programs: Any kind of ailment, small or big, takes a toll on the health that leads to a disturbed mental state. Frequent and comprehensive wellness programs that include campaigns, health awareness sessions, workshops on specific health topics coupled with insurance plans, and tie-ups with major corporates on various health checkup packages provide the right diagnosis at the right time.
Getting the right treatment for physical and mental health issues promotes overall wellbeing.
4- Mental Health Days: The problem identified is half the problem solved. Creating platforms where employees can discuss about their stress or talk about patterns in their behavior affecting their overall health will not only create acceptance of such issues but also demonstrate that the company values their wellbeing.
This also promotes a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health, where employees feel comfortable seeking professional help.
Better Integration of Mental Health Support in the Corporate Culture
Organizations need to integrate mental health support into corporate routines to create a healthier, more engaged, and resilient workforce. It requires a multi-faceted approach where all the leaders and managers also play a major role in creating a healthy atmosphere in the workplace.
Effective managers are those who understand the importance of work as well as work-life balance. This can be achieved by implementing employee-friendly policies, an empathetic work culture, and an environment that allows employees to manage their work while maintaining personal well-being. A few things that can enhance mental well-being in the workplace are:
1- Communication: Effective communication is the backbone of any successful mental health initiative. Open and transparent communication helps build trust and ensures employees feel heard and valued.
Regularly communicating about mental health resources and initiatives keeps employees informed and encourages them to take advantage of the available support system.
Encouraging them to speak up about their mental health challenges can lead to early intervention and can help address any emerging mental health issues without escalating further.
2- Confidentiality: Maintaining utmost confidentiality is the prerequisite for any type of Employee Assistance Program related to mental health. Employees feel comfortable seeking psychological counselling for personal, professional, or family issues, only when they know it will not create a stigma.
3- Cohesive Teams for Psychological Safety: A close-knit team not only ensures bonding amongst employees but also provides a sense of psychological safety. Strong relationships among team members can provide a support network, reduce stress, and increase job satisfaction.
It creates an environment where employees feel secure, able to express their vulnerabilities, and free from judgment. When employees feel safe, they are more likely to seek help and support from one another.
4- Training and Education: Offering training for managers and employees on recognizing signs of mental health issues and how to provide support can create a more empathetic and supportive work environment. Leaders should actively promote and participate in mental health initiatives so that their commitment and communication can build trust and reduce stigma for employees.
5- Regular Checks and Feedback: Regular check-ups and establishing anonymous feedback channels allow employees to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding mental health support without fear of judgment.
Support systems are often around us and such proactive conversations give comfort to reach out for help and also provide resilience to manage emotions rather than suppressing them.
Conclusion
Integrating mental health support in the corporate environment is essential for fostering a productive, engaged, and resilient workforce.
By providing various mental health resources, creating a supportive culture, and emphasizing the importance of communication, corporations can ensure their employees are equipped to manage stress and deliver their best at work.
Prioritizing mental health is not just beneficial for employees—it is a crucial aspect of a successful and sustainable business.
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