When someone is dealing with a mental health problem, it isn't necessarily obvious. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders have symptoms that can be disguised or misinterpreted, unlike a cold or a broken leg. To make matters worse, people are generally hesitant to address mental illness, especially in the workplace. While knowledge is expanding and more people are sharing their own experiences honestly, the stigma persists. Hence companies need to cultivate a workplace culture that is genuinely accommodating to mental health.

Providing relevant services and developing a system that enhances psychological well-being makes employees who are suffering feel comfortable and motivates everyone to improve their mental health. Workers could become overwhelmed by the pressures of meeting deadlines and performing in a fast-paced workplace. They rely on you as the manager to foster a healthy organizational culture that supports mental health and overall well-being.

Why

As per the World Health Organization, productivity loss costs the world economy $1 trillion every year. Because of the stigma linked with mental diseases, psychological health in the workplace is considered taboo. Employees grow unwilling to seek assistance, and many managers appear standoffish regarding such situations. When it comes to workplace wellness, many organizations fail miserably. While most corporate programs promote health and well-being through perks such as dental coverage and prescription drug coverage, the body is only half of the problem.

Our minds are as crucial to our well-being, particularly given the negative impacts mental illness can have on physical health, including:

• Blood pressure
• Risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
• Respiratory conditions
• Sleep quality
• Hormonal balances
• Pain management
• Arthritis

Whenever an employee is in pain, their work suffers as well. Depression has become the most prominent leading cause of disability, with an estimated 172 million workdays lost per year. This problem is exacerbated by stress, worry, and other mental health problems, which cause people to be less interested, focused, and effective.

How

It would help if you prepared for these kinds of scenarios by creating opportunities in the workplace for discussion on mental well-being. It isn't only to cut long-term healthcare expenditures associated with mental health problems. You are doing it to give your workforce a sense of support and acceptance. If you're hoping for a quick remedy to this problem, you should realize that there isn't one. To enhance mental health in the workplace, you must create a workplace atmosphere that embraces health interventions right from the start.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

The first approach is to normalize workplace conversation regarding mental health. Employees are unsure how and when to tackle psychological problems due to a lack of education. Whether it was an article you read, a program you saw, or an experience you had, discussing it freely and without fear can help others understand they're not the only ones.

You can mitigate the negative impacts of mental issues by teaching your employees about psychological and physical health solutions. It comprises holding lectures on stress and mental health management. It also gives a venue for employees to share their experiences with psychological health with their employers.

One must cultivate company culture, which implies that you cannot simply address mental health once and expect it to disseminate. Explore several opportunities to integrate the topic into your employees' daily lives so that it remains top-of-mind.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Many employees feel compelled to sacrifice their connections and aspirations while balancing a demanding job. As a result, employees must provide for some leeway in regular working hours and provide personal and sick days. Employees' mental well-being will flourish with an excellent work-life balance. Your team becomes more efficient, competent, and driven to carry out daily business activities.

MENTAL HEALTH DAY OFF

If you still ask your employees to present a medical certificate or other "valid" cause for being absent from work, it may be time to reconsider. Giving your body and mind a break every once in a while is part of preventive care, and permitting your employees to call in sick to refuel can help them avoid more significant health trouble down the road.

PAY ATTENTION, PREPARE TO HELP

If you sense a worker acting strangely, don't be afraid to ask them if everything is okay. Even if they say that they're okay, reassure them that you're there to support them and that they do have access to support options. In addition, an employee must have access to benefit options that allow them to advocate for themselves. You may, for example, provide medical coverage for mental disorder treatment and counseling. Employees ought to have access to affordable or accessible therapy, life coaching, and stress reduction initiatives to improve their mental health.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Even if psychological health is becoming more common in the workplace, some employees may still be reluctant to address it, especially if they struggle with addiction, abuse, or suicidal tendencies. Remind your employees that their anonymity is of the utmost importance to you and that their use of mental health support will never be scrutinized or monitored.

MENTALLY (AND PHYSICALLY) HEALTHY WORKSPACE

It is critical that your team members feel invigorated and inspired by their workplace. According to research, when workers feel comfy in workstations with natural lighting, greenery, and other positive features, their performance, engagement, and general well-being improve. You can enhance workplaces for mental well-being with open environments that encourage cooperation and interaction. Employees will have some peaceful solitary time if there is a separate section for leisure or break times. According to studies, the quality of the interior workplace environment impacts the overall satisfaction and productivity levels of employees. For example, outdated chairs will stress the back, generating fatigue and, as a result, mental anguish.

Investing in sleek and practical office furniture will go a long way toward making employees' jobs easier. As an outcome, they are less stressed and can overcome a variety of mental health issues.

Height-adjustable standing desks

Sit-stand desks provide various physical and mental benefits. It gives you energy and able to strengthen muscles. It helps us to feel more energized and psychologically ready for work by improving our physical skills.

Some of the mental health benefits of using standing desks include:

• aid in stress management
• promote creativity
• improve mood
• increase brain’s performance
• activate psychological power

FlexiSpot brings workplace ergonomic solutions to homes and business workspaces as the need for a height-adjustable standing desk grows. FlexiSpot height-adjustable desks have cutting-edge features that enable you to do much more than sit or stand at your workstations. Posture is essential in maintaining your cognitive function. A good posture not only prevents pressure on your neck, shoulders, and back but also promotes brain performance. 

Work and psychological health are inextricably linked. Whether severe depression or regular burnout, mental disorders have a significant influence on employees and companies as a whole. During these trying times, the wisest choice you could do for your colleagues is to offer a helping hand.