Correctly Manage Mental Health in the Workplace: An 8-Point Checklist

With such high numbers of US citizens reporting that their workplace negatively affects their mental health, it’s vital that employers take action to correctly manage mental health in the workplace, and make coming to work a nicer experience for employees and employers alike.

Poor mental health frequently results in employees taking sick days, which not only affects the individual and their team’s performance, but affects the company as a whole.

An analysis by NSC and NORC at University of Chicago found that on average, absence due to mental illness costs employers $4,783 per year per employee, with the costs of turnover averaging $5,733 per year per employee. In fact, the NSC created a tool on their website which allows employers to calculate the cost of employee mental health and illness.

Here are 8 different ways in which mental health can be improved and correctly managed in the workplace:

1. De-stigmatize mental health illnesses in the workplace

Mental health problems are still highly stigmatized, which prevents employees from feeling comfortable enough to talk to their bosses and co-workers about how they're feeling. Employees who believe this are more likely to suffer in silence, resulting in lower productivity, more absenteeism and even a higher staff turnover.

Managers shouldn't be afraid to openly talk about problems related to stress, anxiety, sadness and other mental health issues. Making it clear that everyone has a hard time at some point, that there are proper therapies available if they require them and that employees will get better can go a long way toward establishing an atmosphere at work where everyone feels comfortable enough to discuss how they feel. In turn, this helps de-stigmatize mental health conditions, and works to normalize discussion on important and personal topics.

Managers should also be informed about the early warning indicators of mental illness so that they may respond appropriately. Even a first discussion between a line manager and an employee might encourage someone to seek assistance.

2. Encourage and allow a good work/life balance

When one side of the scale is tipped more heavily to work, it may cause burnout and decreased employee productivity.

When feasible, minimize the amount of time employees spend working late or bringing work home. Instead, urge workers to take vacations whenever they are able to leave their jobs behind.

Encourage staff to build a life outside the workplace that is full of their favorite pastimes, such as spending time with their families or pursuing hobbies. Employees who have a good work/life balance will be more productive and less prone to mental illness.

3. Make mental health days clear

Employees who are physically unwell, such as with a headache or upset stomach, are actively encouraged to take the day off to recuperate. Employees with mental illness do not get the same consideration, however. If an employee cannot work due to mental ill-health, or if they are experiencing symptoms of burnout, they deserve the same treatment as someone who is physically sick.

Giving your mind and body a break is an essential part of health maintenance. Allowing your employees to use preventive health techniques to relax will prevent more serious mental illness symptoms in the future.

Ensure that mental health days are clearly marked and that your workers are aware of their availability. Regularly stipulate that mental health days are available to staff as needed.

4. Keep an eye out for early warning signs

Managers and line managers should be educated in recognizing early warning signs of mental illness so that they can provide assistance and support as soon as possible. If team leaders detect an employee behaving unusually, such as a new regular low mood, lack of interest or irritability, they should not hesitate to speak with them and ask how they're feeling.

Managers should remind their workers that they are there to assist them, even if the response is closed or dismissive.

5. Make mental health resources accessible

Employees must be able to access the information you provide to them. If support resources are no longer current, and therefore irrelevant, the service will be ineffective and might cause harm.

Examine the organizations' mental health resources to ensure they are up to date and that they are giving safe and competent counsel to employees.

Ensure that you signpost and make it easy for your employees to access your company's mental health resources.

Supply different forms of resource content, such as audio, braille, video and written material to assist persons with disabilities access the information. This means that no-one should miss out on vital mental health resources.

6. Train up a mental first aider

Mental health first aiders are an important asset for any company. Just as having a physical first aider on site can help a co-worker who is dealing with physical ill-health, having a mental health first responder on site can assist someone dealing with mental ill-health.

Mental health first aiders are trained to identify early indicators of mental illness and have the ability to communicate with a co-worker who may be undergoing mental distress. They can offer assistance by listening non-judgmentally and direct the employee to additional support or resources if necessary.

7. Establish a healthy workplace environment

A bad work atmosphere might have significant ramifications for staff. Negative working environments are pressure cookers for mental illness, and they can lead to increased burnout and lower productivity.

When employees are enthusiastic and encouraged in a healthy business atmosphere, they perform more effectively. This allows workers to reach their full potential and ensures the company achieves its maximum level of productivity.

It's critical for your staff to be inspired and uplifted by their work environment. When people are comfortable in workspaces with adequate light, plants and other positive features, productivity, engagement, and overall wellbeing improve.

8. Appreciate employees and the small things

Negative sentiments may be cultivated in the workplace, such as when projects are difficult or deadlines are tight. However, there is a method to combat the intrinsic negativity that comes along with work. It's by deliberately focusing on little but meaningful things.

These little things, when taken together, have a significant impact on employees' mental health. Recognition for something going smoothly, outstanding work or a client praise are all examples of positives. Sharing these events on a regular basis can raise employee morale and energy while also fostering the company's culture and community.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, the workplace is often one of the most prevalent places for poor mental health to thrive. From work stress and tight deadlines to unhealthy and unhappy environments, there are many things that make a traditional workplace bad for our mental health.

This is why it’s increasingly vital to have a full understanding of employee mental health, allowing you to make the workplace a more mental health friendly place to be.

There is always support available from mental health professionals, and properly utilizing this help is essential in the modern day workplace.