How to Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace
May 19, 2021 | 
Mental health
Concretely promote well-being in the workplace
The promotion of mental health and more particularly of well-being cannot be improvised within the workplace. It is based on scientific, regulatory, and institutional bases which frame the words and actions relating to the subject. But it must be legitimized by organizational executives otherwise it risks being nothing but wishful thinking. Therefore, a little help goes a long way to keep every staff member happy. Promoting well-being at work is a co-construction approach. It is necessary to eradicate as many risk factors as possible and develop as many protective factors as possible. Everyone in the company is concerned so here are some tips that all businesses should seek to adhere to.
1.Normalize discussions about mental health and offer a chaplain service
Normalize discussions about psychological health perseverance, courage, and acting despite difficulties because these are qualities that we often defend at work. The more employees feel psychologically supported, the more loyal and attached they are to their employer, engaged and satisfied at work, positive mood, eager to stay within the organization, inclined to adopt responsible behaviors. When it is normalized to chat to other team members and have a group dedicated to this; perhaps even a specially designated person to assist, it greatly helps. You can offer chaplain services, which can assist with improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Having a voice of reason, and someone to talk to, can be hugely beneficial, especially during these current turbulent times, and beyond.
2.Recognition and boosting morale
Offering your team recognition after good work is going to give them a mental health boost. This includes sufficient and regular compensation and the organization of events to celebrate the achievements of an employee in part of a team or the team as a whole. This is not to say you should undermine other workers, but it is important to reward when possible. When this is integrated into the workplace, you will encourage the following benefits:
- Motivate them.
- Arouse in them a desire for excellence.
- Build their self-esteem.
- Encourage them to exceed expectations.
- Increase team success.
Offering staff fun days away from the office every once in a while also offers the team something special. It gives them time to bond, to escape their normal surroundings, and feel as if they are part of a real team. After all, communication and community are what keeps workers happy.
3. The time and space that they need
If you want to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, you need to also look at creating a little more time for your staff. Oftentimes workers feel overwhelmed and during difficult times at home. Therefore, it means their work becomes a little lackluster and their home worries spill into their work life. Offering your staff a designated time to come talk to you can offer them great support. If they feel time away from work would benefit their mental health, you should allow them to take some time off or offer flexible work schedules. We are living in difficult times, and a little understanding can go a long way for your dedicated workers.
