The regular full-time worker spends almost a quarter of their week working, so it’s safe to say that our wellbeing at work is intrinsically linked with our overall mental health. Supporting mental health in the workplace has multiple benefits for organisations and their employees. The benefits of prioritising workplace mental health are extensive and wide reaching. They extend to the organisations that put mental health on the agenda, and the people they employ.
- On an individual level, having a mentally healthy workplace can increase work satisfaction and productivity and create a more resilient workforce. While organisations can experience the benefits through talent acquisition and retention, as well as improved work quality and efficiencies.
- Meanwhile, good working relationships can foster a trusting environment and facilitate more knowledge sharing sessions amongst team members. A zero tolerance approach to negative behaviours, such as bullying and discrimination, and managers leading by example in regards to looking after their own mental health also creates space for open conversations and reduces stigma.
The five Domains to a Mentally Healthy Workplace
- 1. Connectedness refers to the quality of interpersonal relationships in the workplace. The desire to feel connected is a basic human need. For many people, the workplace is central to their lives and quality social and emotional interactions have a significant impact on mental health.
- 2. Safety describes the processes put in action so that workplaces are free from harassment, bullying, discrimination and violence. Mental health is fundamentally linked to feeling safe in the workplace. These processes provide proactive support and promote positive social interactions.
- 3. Leadership comprises how managers enable their teams to achieve shared organisational goals. Workplace leaders have a vital role in creating a positive environment for workers to excel. It is important that they not only support the mental health of workers, but that they also demonstrate how they support their own mental health.
- 4. Work Design is the way that roles, tasks, and responsibilities are organised. Providing access to flexible working arrangements and opportunities for workers to influence how and when they do their work has a tremendous impact on psychological health. Where possible, a proactive approach to work design encourages not only a better work-life balance but is also conducive to better mental health.
- 5. Capability is about equipping the workplace with skills and resources to support mental health. It involves putting policies into action to minimise risks, respond to harm. Empowering workers with skills, knowledge, and resources to support their mental health is also important. It’s about getting the support they need without any barriers.