Making Mental Health A Priority In The Work Place

Thankfully, the attitudes towards mental health in the workplace have improved a lot over the last decade. What was once a very taboo topic is now something that professionals can discuss with their colleagues. Some organisations have also become aware of the benefits that focusing on mental health can bring to the atmosphere in their workplace. The good word is spreading too, and even “old-fashioned” organisations are coming around to a mental health-focused way of thinking.

The benefits of focusing on mental health cannot really be understated for professionals. At its most basic, it means people who are struggling with mental health can seek support and understanding in the workplace. The days of struggling in silence are thankfully behind us, and support systems can be put in place to support colleagues struggling with mental health issues. With these support systems in place, it becomes easier for any colleagues to discuss their issues within the workplace. This spirit of openness then in turn leads to a much more productive atmosphere within an organisation. It might not be too surprising that professionals who feel safe and are not worrying about external issues find themselves being much more productive at their work.

It’s important too that the higher-ups properly understand why the focus on mental health is important. Putting together facilities like meditation rooms and quiet spaces is very fine, but it’s hollow without understanding why they are important. The younger generations seem to have understood for the most part, but there are still some who would scoff at the idea of taking care of mental health. That is where the role of D&I training comes in. Professionals who have an understanding and training in the values of D&I and their implementation are gold for organisations who want to foster good atmospheres. This can be a specific Inclusion Manager but includes anything like those with training in diversity or mental health first-aid. As allies and professionals who are working within an organisation to make sure mental health is taken seriously, their work is key to making mental health core to a team.

Another important part of workplace mental health support is support outside of work. Not everyone is comfortable discussing what can be very personal issues with someone who they will be seeing around the office. That’s why many firms who invest properly in mental health support also provide the opportunity for external support to be made available to their staff. The external support allows everyone to feel comfortable in accessing the care they need. External expertise can also improve and expand the internal support on offer, such as by training mental health first aiders within the team.

We’re very lucky to find ourselves in a workplace that is slowly but surely improving the way mental health is seen. The generations who came before us moved heaven and earth to get us to where we are now. We owe it to them and to the next generation to make the workplace a safe space for anyone affected by mental health struggles. We can all do our part to improve mental health support, and it can all start today.

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