Improving mental health in the workplace

By Helen Godliman, Head of HR Operations & Projects at Instant Offices 

In recent years, mental health in the workplace has become a focal point of discussion among business leaders, HR professionals, and employees alike. As we move into an era where work-life balance, wellbeing, and job satisfaction are considered as important as productivity and profitability, organisations must reevaluate how they approach mental health. Instant Offices believes that creating a mentally healthy workplace is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for maintaining a productive, engaged, and resilient workforce. 

Recognising the Impact of Workplace Mental Health

Mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression, can significantly affect employees’ performance, productivity, and overall engagement. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. Despite these staggering figures, the stigma surrounding mental health continues to act as a barrier, preventing many individuals from seeking the help they need.

Instant Offices advocates for a comprehensive approach to improving mental health in the workplace. Here are several actionable strategies organisations can adopt to foster a healthier and more supportive work environment…

1. Foster a Culture of Openness and Support

One of the most critical steps towards improving mental health in the workplace is creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of stigma or negative repercussions. This starts at the leadership level. When managers and executives openly discuss mental health and model healthy behaviours, it signals to employees that it is acceptable to prioritise their wellbeing.

Additionally, training managers and supervisors to recognise signs of mental health challenges and encouraging them to engage in open conversations with their teams can create a supportive environment. It is essential to ensure that employees know where to seek help, whether through internal support systems or external resources.

2. Implement Flexible Work Arrangements

The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we work, with remote work and hybrid models becoming more prevalent. These flexible work arrangements have been shown to improve employees’ mental health by reducing commuting time, offering a better work-life balance, and allowing individuals to manage their work in a way that suits their personal needs.

Instant Offices suggests that companies continue to offer flexibility where possible. By providing options such as flexible hours, remote work, or even a compressed workweek, organisations can help reduce stress and give employees greater control over their work environment. The key is to offer these arrangements without increasing the burden on employees or making them feel isolated from the broader team.

3. Prioritise Workload Management and Burnout Prevention

Burnout has become a growing concern in workplaces around the world with the WHO classifying it as an “occupational phenomenon”. To address this, companies must pay close attention to workload management and ensure that employees are not overwhelmed by unrealistic demands.

Setting clear expectations, encouraging regular breaks, and promoting a healthy work-life balance are essential. Companies can also conduct regular wellness check-ins and surveys to gauge how employees are feeling about their workloads and make adjustments accordingly. A proactive approach to preventing burnout can have long-lasting benefits, such as reducing absenteeism and improving overall job satisfaction.

4. Offer Comprehensive Mental Health Benefits and Resources

Access to mental health resources is a crucial component of workplace wellbeing. Organisations should offer comprehensive mental health benefits, including access to counselling services, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and mental health days. Instant Offices encourages businesses to go beyond the traditional health insurance model and provide resources that are easy to access and free of charge for employees.

Investing in mental health education is equally important. By offering workshops, seminars, and resources on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and coping strategies, companies can empower employees with the tools they need to maintain their mental wellbeing.

5. Measure and Monitor Progress

Finally, improving workplace mental health requires continuous monitoring and improvement. Regularly assessing the mental health needs of employees through surveys, feedback sessions, or anonymous polls can help organisations track the effectiveness of their mental health initiatives and make data-driven decisions.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires ongoing commitment, flexibility, and investment in resources. By fostering a supportive culture, offering flexible work options, managing workloads effectively, and providing accessible mental health benefits, companies can take significant steps toward improving the mental well-being of their employees. This, in turn, will lead to a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce.