5 Ways to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace
By Xavier Hamblin
“Mental health has a huge impact on every aspect of people’s lives. It affects behaviour, physical health, work and relationships, as well as the people around them”, says the Department of Health and Aged Care. However, we all know that the workplace can be a stressful environment. Many factors can affect our mental health, from demanding deadlines to difficult co-workers. By taking steps to improve your mental health in the workplace, you’ll be able to perform at your best and avoid burnout. Here are 5 of the best ways to do it:
1. Recognise And Address Stressors In The Workplace
Stress can come from various sources, both inside and outside of work. It can significantly impact your mental health and well-being, so it’s essential to take steps to address it. Chronic stress, for instance, can lead to physical health problems such as high blood pressure and insomnia and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Recognising stressors in the workplace is the first step in finding ways to reduce or eliminate them. You’ll likely improve your overall health, mood, and productivity when you manage stress better.
Some everyday workplace stressors include heavy workloads, limited resources, lack of control, isolation, and unrealistic deadlines.
If you’re experiencing any of these stressors in your workplace, it’s vital to take action to address them. This might involve talking to your boss about your workload, seeking out support from colleagues, or taking some time for yourself outside of work to reduce stress. Taking steps to manage workplace stress can help you stay healthy and productive in your job.
2. Set Boundaries
A boundary is a line that delineates one area from another. In the context of your career, setting boundaries means communicating to your employer what you will and will not do on the job.
There are several reasons why it’s important to set boundaries in your workplace. First, it can help you avoid burnout. If you’re constantly working beyond your scope of responsibility, you’re likely to become overwhelmed and eventually burn out. Second, setting boundaries can help you protect your time and energy to focus on the things most important to you.
Third, boundary-setting can improve your mental health. When you’re clear about your limits, you’re less likely to experience anxiety or stress about your work. And finally, setting boundaries can improve your relationships with your colleagues. If you’re clear about what you will and won’t do at work, it’s easier to maintain healthy relationships with the people you work with.
3. Have A Supportive Environment In The Workplace
A supportive environment in the workplace can make a big difference to employees’ well-being and job satisfaction. It can also help to improve productivity and motivation.
Creating a supportive environment starts with good communication. Employees should feel they can raise concerns and give feedback without fear of retribution. Once this is established, other things such as collaboration, training and development, and recognition can be implemented to improve the working environment further. Management should also listen to employees’ suggestions and implement changes where possible.
Creating a supportive environment in the workplace can be beneficial for both employees and employers. It can lead to improved productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction. Moreover, it can also help to reduce stress and improve work-life balance.
Lack of a supportive environment in the workplace can lead to many problems, such as high staff turnover, absenteeism, reduced productivity, and low morale. Moreover, it will also harm the company’s bottom line. Therefore, employers need to create a supportive environment in the workplace.
4. Make Time For Yourself
One of the most important things you can do for yourself in the workplace is to make time for yourself. This may seem complicated, but it’s pretty simple if you know how to do it.
Set aside some time each day for yourself. Whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, find a time that works for you and stick to it. Make sure your work area is comfortable and conducive to productivity. Making time for yourself also entails saying no to tasks that are not a priority. Learning to say no can help you focus on essential tasks and prevent you from taking on too much work.
Making time for yourself in the workplace is vital for several reasons. Taking breaks, walking around, or just stepping away from your work to clear your head can do wonders for your productivity. It also prevents the frustration and burnout that comes with work. Lastly, it allows you to do your best work. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, doing your best work is challenging. If you take time for yourself, you can clear your head and return to your work refreshed and ready to do your best.
5. Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with your mental health, one of the best things you can do is seek professional help. This could mean talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or taking medication. If you’re overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
You may also ask for Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) which provide employees with confidential counselling and support services. These programs can help employees deal with personal and work-related problems.
It is crucial that you know how to seek professional help in the workplace because it can positively impact your career. If you’re having difficulty managing your mental health, seeking help shows that you’re proactive and willing to do what it takes to stay healthy and productive. This can be beneficial when it comes time for performance reviews or promotions.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Many resources are available to support you in taking care of your mental health.
Care For Your Team’s Mental Health In The Workplace
Mental health is essential in every aspect of everyone’s lives, but it’s especially important in the workplace. Hence, ensuring that the workplace environment fosters wellness and respects everyone’s mental health is crucial.
Holistic Services Group supports businesses and teams in cultivating cultures of workplace wellbeing. Our goal is to help you create a productive, efficient, and enjoyable workplace for your staff. We offer various services that can be tailored to your company’s specific needs.
HSG provides a full range of workplace wellness programs. Here are some of our workplace mental health related programs:
- Workplace mental health training
- Resilience training
- Work life balance workshop
- Stress management training
- Meditation Classes
- Mindfulness training
We also have personal wellness coaches who can give your top staff that one-on-one attention they deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
