Mental health in the workplace can be described as workers and managers actively contributing to the working environment by promoting as well as protecting the well-being of all employees. If employees with mental health conditions receive the right support, they can be as productive, involved and purposeful as other employees.
Mental illnesses have an extremely negative impact on company bottom-line, costing billions of dollars in absenteeism or sick days, presenteeism, disability and other benefits and lost productivity. Thus it’s very important that employers recognize the signs of mental illness and help employees strengthen their mental health.
Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses that affect mental health in the workplace. Like other illnesses, mental disorders are episodic and can also be managed similarly; with prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Prevention
Promote mental health by developing the positive aspects of work as well as the strengths of employees. Involve employees in decision making that conveys a feeling of participation and empowerment. Be supportive of a healthy work-life balance by allowing flexible hours where possible and reasonable vacation time.
Diagnosis
Mental health issues can simultaneously result in absenteeism and presenteeism. Observe the length of time that employees are off or sick. On the other hand, keep an eye out on how productive they are when they are physically at work. Since mental and physical health are related, employees suffering from mental health might also be complaining from pains or fatigue.
Treatment
Think of mental health treatment as an investment. Beware of astigmatism and treat all employees equally and respectfully regardless of their mental conditions. Keep all communications confidential. Inform your employees that support is available. Make treatment programs more accessible and provide options, including telephone intervention, for those who don’t want to see a therapist in person.
Rehabilitation
Believe in your employees’ capacity to recover and encourage them to believe in their own abilities which will result in strengthened skills to manage emotional states. Foster trusting relationships that employees feel valued in.
Mental health interventions should be delivered as part of an integrated health and well-being strategy that covers prevention, early identification, support and rehabilitation. Workplace mental health improvement programs that are based on best practices can have a positive impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the workers and company return on investment concurrently.
Refer to this article to read more on mental health and astigmatism.
