3 Steps for supporting Mental Health in the workplace

Supporting and addressing mental health in the workplace is crucial for employees’ well-being and the organisation’s overall success. Here are three practical things employers can do:

Mental Health Awareness and Education:

• Provide mental health awareness and education programs for employees. This could include workshops, seminars, RU OK day, World Mental Health Month celebrations, or online resources that help employees understand common mental health issues and recognise the signs of distress in themselves and their colleagues.
• Train managers and supervisors to identify and respond to mental health concerns in their team members. Mental Health First Aid is a positive training program that gives participants the skills and confidence to have these discussions.

Create a Supportive Work Environment:

• Promote a culture of open communication, where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of stigma or discrimination. Lead by example and let the team know it’s okay to be open about any problems they may be experiencing.
• Implement flexible arrangements, such as remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks, to help employees manage their work-life balance and reduce stress.
• Foster a healthy work-life balance by setting reasonable workload expectations, encouraging employees to take regular breaks, use their annual leave regularly, and disconnect from work when not on the clock.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and Mental Health Benefits:

• Offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential psychological, counselling and support services for employees and their families. EAPs can address a wide range of personal and work-related issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Encourage and support employees in seeking professional help when needed. Make information about available resources easily accessible and, if possible, guide how to navigate the mental health support system.

Organisations need to take a proactive approach to mental health in the workplace. Create an environment where employees feel valued and supported to prioritise their mental well-being.

Don’t set and forget – regularly assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and adjust them as needed or implement new ideas to ensure a positive and healthy workplace culture.

And if you need help finding the right strategy, contact the Strawberry Seed Team. We are always happy to help!