How do you feel as your working week comes to an end?
If “exhausted” “stressed” “anxious” or “overwhelmed” comes to mind, you’re not the only one.
A recent report from Deloitte, Advancing Workforce Well-being, revealed that nearly half of employees feel exhausted (52%) or stressed (49%) regularly. Other emotions such as feeling overwhelmed (43%), irritable (34%), lonely (33%), or even depressed (32%) are common, with a significant portion (27%) even experiencing anger.
These feelings are not just numbers on a report. They reflect a growing challenge that affects our well-being, productivity, and overall happiness at work.
ComPsych, the world’s largest provider of employee assistance programs, has highlighted a staggering 300% rise in employee leaves for mental health reasons from 2017 to 2023 in its recent report.
Talking about mental health in Indian workplaces, one study by Manah Wellness in 2022 surveyed 1,764 white-collar employees in urban India. It found that nearly 29% showed signs of moderate to severe depression, 55% had moderate to severe anxiety, and 78% experienced moderate to high stress.
The issue is clear: we need to make mental health at work a priority.
(Also check out our video on World Mental Health Day 2024 here.)
World Mental Health Day 2024: Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace
With World Mental Health Day just around the corner on October 10th, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a step back and reflect on how we can create healthier environments for ourselves and our colleagues.
The theme for 2024 is fitting: “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
But how can we make this a reality? Here are five actionable steps that can help make mental health a priority in the workplace.
Making Mental Health a Priority in the Workplace
1. Create a Supportive Culture
A supportive work culture is essential for nurturing mental health.
The first step?
Open communication.
Encourage employees to share their thoughts, whether it’s about their workload, feelings, or any personal struggles they might be facing. Regular check-ins, either one-on-one or as a team, can go a long way in fostering connection and belonging.
It’s also important to promote a culture where employees feel safe to discuss their mental health without judgment or fear of discrimination. Whether it’s through team-building activities or casual conversations, creating an environment of empathy can be a game changer.
2. Offer Mental Health Resources
Having the right tools available is key.
Offering access to mental health professionals, employee assistance programs, or even wellness workshops can make a world of difference. Some companies are partnering with local mental health organizations to offer discounted or free services for their employees.
Whatever the case, mental health resources must be easy to find and well-promoted. After all, having the right resources only helps if people know about them and feel comfortable using them.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a necessity. Encouraging employees to take breaks, set boundaries, and focus on their lives outside of work is important for mental well-being.
For example, at KVR Webtech, the emphasis is on living life fully both inside and outside the workplace. Employees are encouraged to prioritize family, hobbies, and self-care.
We have routine sessions like “We Are Listening” to provide a safe space for employees to share, connect, and recharge. These moments of relaxation and self-reflection help reduce stress and promote a more balanced life.
Additionally, we have established a biker’s group called Deadly KVRIANS, where our team members come together to explore new trails and enjoy the thrill of biking.
This initiative not only fosters camaraderie among participants but also encourages a sense of adventure and teamwork.
Also, we have launched an initiative called Mandli to promote charity to let our people engage in meaningful philanthropic activities and give back to the community.
Together, these efforts enhance both our employees’ well-being and our commitment to social responsibility.
4. Address Mental Health Stigma
Despite progress, mental health stigma still exists in many workplaces. Challenging this stigma is vital for creating an open and supportive environment. Educating employees about mental health conditions, busting myths, and fostering open conversations can help break down barriers and make it easier for people to seek the help they need.
Creating a stigma-free environment means employees won’t fear repercussions for talking about their struggles. They’ll know that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a step toward better well-being.
5. Provide Comfortable Work Arrangements
Flexible work arrangements are another key to reducing stress and promoting mental health. Whether it’s remote work, flexible hours, or hybrid schedules, giving employees control over their work environment can help them manage stress more effectively.
At KVR Webtech, flexible schedules and remote work options are provided to ensure that employees’ personal needs are taken into account. Additionally, the company promotes fun activities to boost morale and foster joy within the workplace, reminding employees that mental health and productivity go hand in hand.
Why World Mental Health Day Matters
World Mental Health Day is more than just a day on the calendar – it’s a global movement to raise awareness about mental health issues and emphasize the importance of well-being. It’s a reminder that mental health matters every day, and we all play a role in creating supportive environments for ourselves and others.
Mental health issues affect job satisfaction, productivity, and overall quality of life. Addressing them proactively can improve the workplace for everyone involved, leading to healthier, happier, and more engaged employees.
Let’s Prioritize Mental Health at Work
By prioritizing mental health in the workplace, we can create a more compassionate, productive, and enjoyable environment. Small changes can have a big impact, so take a moment to reflect on how you can support your mental health – and that of your colleagues and people.
Stay happy! Stay stress-free! Embrace the happiness of life!
An enthusiastic Human Being with a zeal to express as much she can in words… and Blogs gave her a medium to express and share her knowledge. Has written for eminent blogs and fields like the social media, internet marketing, technology, lifestyle (tattoos, body art, fashion, etc.), politics, and the list is still increasing.