Mental health is something we all must deal with at one point at another, whether it be stress from work or a more serious and chronic issue such as depression. For too long, mental health was a bit of a taboo topic—one that was discouraged from being brought up in the work environment. Luckily, issues regarding mental health have become better understood and any good employer endeavors to be conscious of their employees’ mental health. For the best possible work environment, here’s how to improve mental health at work.
Open Communication
As an employer, you should always offer open avenues to your employees to reach out and open a dialogue if they ever feel like they’re having a tough time, much like how you’d want them to speak up if they witnessed harassment or injuries. While not everyone is comfortable opening up, just having the option is a comforting gesture that you have your employees’ mental health in mind and are striving to support them when something is affecting them and their work.
Workplace Sanitation
A filthy or decrepit work environment can only further intensify the stress or lack of morale amongst your employees—especially with the current pandemic. A filthy workplace is an indication that you, as an employer, don’t care too much about your employees because you don’t even care about the building they work in. You should keep your facilities well maintained and have professionals disinfect your offices so that your employees are secure in the fact that their wellbeing is being looked after. You’ll also be saving your employees from potential diseases if you consistently disinfect and sanitize the workplace.
Stress Relief
To further improve mental health at work, make sure your employees have ample time to take short breaks that allow them to decompress and re-organize. Working nonstop can lead to mental burnout and restlessness. Giving workers a chance to get up and take a short walk or relax for a period of time is a great way to give them a moment to clear their heads and refresh themselves, thus improving their overall work performance.
