1. Break the silence.The best way to break the stigma or silence of mental health is to talk about it. Ensure all employees know that this is a welcoming, accepting and supportive working space at all times, and that they do not need to be afraid to speak up and tell someone how they are feeling. Make sure there are continuous open discussions about mental health and don't be afraid to discuss issues relating to depression, stress, anxiety or other forms of mental illness.
2. Encourage a work/life balance.
Encouraging a work/life balance can help ensure your team members stay for the long run. Offering incentives such as working only half a day for their birthday or regular team out-of-office lunches will allow team members to feel more relaxed and valued at work. If you notice team members arriving early and working late, instead of congratulating them, check in to see how they are doing with their workload and if you can offer any help.
3. Provide counselling and other resources.
Employees do not recognise the signs of mental illness when they first start appearing. Most times they lay it down as stress or are convinced it will go away on its own. Providing counselling and offering other mental health resources can encourage team members to seek help or guidance when they need it. You can also get a professional in to educate employees about the signs of mental illness and how they can help, heal and respond to it.
4. Regularly check in with your employees.
Conducting regular meetings with employees helps increase trust and build a culture of openness. It’s also easier for a manager to determine whether a team member is experiencing challenges with their mental health. Signs of mental health issues to look for include reduced productivity, frequent absenteeism and increased health issues. Always be on the lookout for any of these personality changes and if you notice someone is struggling, talk to them about it straight away.
5. Offer wellness programs.
Mental health should be a priority in every workplace. Show your employees you care by focusing on making your culture an enriching, patient and relaxing one. Offer wellness classes such as yoga and meditation during lunch breaks to reduce work stress and promote relaxation. You can also include other mental health benefits such as personal/volunteer days off and an employer-sponsored gym membership.
6. Create a mental health toolkit.
It is a great idea to prepare a mental health toolkit to promote further wellbeing in the workplace. A mental health toolkit should include;
- Regular employee’s wellness surveys
- Rooms to relax away from screen time.
- A resource page/webpage which includes important links such as Beyond Blue, Black Dog, Men’s and Women’s Health and more.
- Jigsaw puzzles, inspirational books, magazines and adult mindful colouring books.
Taking the steps to ensure a positive work environment, removing the silence and stigma by openly talking about mental health, monitoring staff for personality changes and implementing mental health and wellness resources is key in creating a company culture where everyone can feel respected, heard, happy and supported.
Talent Street recognise the importance of providing support to our employees and have implemented a Employee Assistance Program in partnership with Eudoxia, one of Australia’s leading EAP providers.