Work is a major part of our lives as we spend most of our time in our workplace. Addressing and advocating for better mental health is extremely crucial for the overall well-being of employees.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many people. A majority of people have lost their jobs and have gotten a decrement on their salaries making the pandemic situation more difficult to face.

Now when everything is opening, including workplaces, it is very important to ensure workplace wellbeing for the workers because a toxic work environment is corrosive for mental health. This is why should be every employer’s foremost priority. Workplace wellbeing includes staying watchful of employees’ betterment and creating an enabling environment for the employees, where everyone feels supported and heard particularly in more difficult times.

WHO guidelines for a healthy workplace include

• Protect mental health by reducing work-related risk factors.
• Promote mental health by developing the positive aspects of work and the strengths of employees.
• Address mental health problems regardless of cause.
• Awareness of sources of support and where people can find help.

Mental health is considered a taboo topic especially in workplaces because people are often judged and discriminated against due to it. This shouldn’t be the case as it’s very important to talk about mental health-related issues at work, it in fact needs to be normalized.

Role of Employers

Tackling mental health issues can be very challenging. Senior management and HR managers are in a position to play a very important role in the workplace. They can change the attitude towards it and provide a supportive environment to their employees by

1. Increasing Awareness

Increasing awareness at the workplace is the first step towards normalizing mental health. This can be done by arranging sessions for employees and employers as well.

2. Training the Managers

Providing training opportunities to the managers to encourage a supportive environment where everyone feels acknowledged. Managers should understand that every employee is different and should be treated accordingly.

3. Mental Health Policies

The company should have policies and regulations related to mental health. If a company already has a policy, it should be reviewed, made employee-centric, and promoted.

4. Treating employees with fairness

Employees should be treated with basic human decency such as kindness and fairness.

Role of Employees

Employees also have a duty to maintain a healthy workplace in order to ensure better mental wellbeing. Here are some things they can do

1. Listen attentively to your fellow colleagues and treat them with kindness.
2. Talk to your line manager when you feel low.
3. If you are having suicidal thoughts, seek professional help.
4. Check in with your colleagues if they are unable to work properly and ask why. Encourage them to see someone for professional health if they are displaying symptoms.
5. Be supportive and be courteous to everyone in the workplace.
6. Remember that everyone is different and they should be accepted despite their differences.

Seeking Help

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Seek help if you continue to feel unwell for a prolonged time and seek help from mental health practitioners and counselors. Stand up to the stigma, mental health is the same as physical health. There’s no shame in asking for help.

We have a panel of verified and experienced mental health practitioners. Don’t hesitate to seek help. Our dedicated CareALL help desk provides free mental health helpline service. You can call us at 03222555400 or 03222555600.