Being physically healthy is only one aspect of the equation of Health. It is not only important what you say, but also how you say it, as this reflects your overall state of mind. To truly feel healthy, one must prioritise overall well-being. The definition of Health by the World Health Organisation (WHO) constitution states that; “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Mental Health and its significance
Mental Health is the most important part of Health, and there is no health without mental Health. Being mentally healthy is just not being free from mental disorders. It is a state of well-being where an individual understands their capability and understanding of their stressors and stresses and ways to cope with them without impacting both their professional and personal life. Furthermore, mental Health becomes very basic to our ability to think, feel, socialise, work, and have a good life. Safe and healthy working environments not only provide a good workplace but also act as a protective factor for the employee’s mental Health.
Why is Mental Health at Work so important?
As we all know, we spend most of our time at work. It is a fact that one cannot live without food for a long time. To bring this food to the table, not just for yourself but for your family, especially when you are the breadwinner of the family, one must work to pay for the food and the needs of their family. To fulfill these needs, we are required to work, and hence, work plays a major role in our everyday lives.
On an average, a full-time employee, which most of us are for various reasons, spends 1,950 hours annually at work. Therefore, the environment at work is extremely important as it has a direct impact on your well-being and happiness. A stressful work environment has just not affected the employee’s mental health, but also their physical Health, as stress is directly associated with almost all the disorders and lowering of immunity resulting in sickness. Furthermore, it significantly impacts the family members and the home environment of the employees.
Research studies show that employees do not just quit for better pay, but most of them quit because they are looking for a happier workplace. Furthermore, happy employees can be very efficient and productive and contribute immensely to the success and growth of the organisation.
What can disrupt Mental Health at work?
There are numerous reasons for the disruption of Mental Health at work. This
includes both active and passive forms of stigma, stereotyping, discrimination, racism, harassment, threats, and bullying. At times, most of these actions are overlooked as “feedback.” However, it is destructive and can be severely damaging.
Furthermore, the challenge for any organisation is to make sure that the right people are employed for the work. However, the right people certainly do not mean just ticking the boxes, such as meeting the required qualifications, experience, and skill set. The most important quality that is usually undermined is the type of personality of an individual. It is proven that no person can work with a difficult person in terms of personality. Working with such people can be toxic, emotionally draining, and demotivating. It is very important to report incidences that are unacceptable and intolerable, not just when you encounter them but also when you witness them.
When complaints or concerns are raised by any employee, it should be ensured that the complaint is taken seriously, and it is being followed up. The right steps, such as providing constructive feedback by providing opportunity to improve or decision to terminate, should be taken without any hesitation if required. If not, it will have the repercussions of losing good/ best-performing employees out of disrespect and disappointment.
How do we ensure Mental Health at Work?
Just lip service by writing policies and procedures on Mental Health isn’t enough! Every organisation/workplace should have it in action. It is essential that the organisation stands by an employee during their difficult time and makes them feel valued and supported emotionally.
It must be ensured that the staff feels valued in the organisation they are working for. Although they get remuneration, which is a monetary reward for employees, they should also be rewarded emotionally, which will make them feel motivated. Some forms to make them feel emotionally rewarded are recognition of any achievement, including the smallest one, and acknowledging their hard work. This makes them realise that they are an important part of
the organisation and that the organisation is thankful for all their hard work, dedication, and commitment. Valuing the long-standing and loyal employees. Appraising for their long service makes them feel valued and respected. There are many more ways to boost employees’ mindsets and mental
health at work and the manager plays a crucial role in this. I would say, “Be a manager that you want to have”.
With everyone’s cooperation, it is vital to understand that it becomes everyone’s responsibility to safeguard mental Health at work. Let’s make our workplace a happier one!
Pull Quote:
“It is essential that the organisation stands by an employee during their difficult time and makes them feel valued and supported emotionally”