Mental Health Awareness: A Necessity in the Workspace
We've just entered Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect moment to remind each other about the importance of mental well-being. Since work takes up a big part of our days, have you taken a moment to check in on your colleagues' mental health? This could be a perfect chance to cultivate a supportive culture where we look out for each other, even when everything seems fine.
According to the Employee Assistance Professional Association (EAPA-SA), research-based estimates show that as many as one-quarter of South African employees will be diagnosed with depression during their employment.
“Only 15% of South Africans with mental health receive treatment,” writes Associate Professor, William Gumede (School of Governance, University of Witwatersrand). “This is due largely to the fact that many do not seek help because of the public stigma attached to mental illnesses and because in many cases mental health support is just not available in public medical facilities.”
In this context, where people shy away from conventional mental health support, how do organisations start creating a workplace that puts a priority on emotional and mental well-being? Below are some of the techniques organisations can leverage to support individuals with mental disorders in the workplace.
Open-Door Policy in Workplaces
Organisations should implement an open-door policy in the workplace. This is a standard that empowers employees to communicate job-related topics or issues with managers and supervisors.
However, some people internalise personal challenges because they’re not work-related. But, in some instances, personal struggles begin to impact their work. In such cases, an open-door policy is essential as it fosters a non-judgemental and welcoming environment, allowing employees to express themselves.
Training of Employees on Mental Health
Organisations should facilitate the training of employees about the impact of depression, with a focus on how its symptoms can influence job performance. This can also serve as a chance to highlight any employee assistance programs (EAPs) available, stressing that they also support mental health concerns, including depression.
Cultivating a Culture of Acceptance
In addition, organisations need to promote a culture of acceptance around depression and other psychiatric disorders – they are no different to diabetes or asthma. This requires changing the mindset that views someone revealing their mental illness as a sign of weakness, particularly among men who often avoid seeking help for mental health issues.
Exercising Together
Group exercise is an excellent activity for Mental Health Awareness Month because it addresses multiple key factors that contribute to employee well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise in any form can act as a stress reliever as being active can distract one from daily worries. In addition, exercising with others is a form of socialisation that enables one to build connections that enhance emotional and mental well-being.
In conclusion, as we navigate the mental health narrative going forward, employers need to take the time to educate themselves about mental health in the workplace and how they will manage employees who live with depression and anxiety. They should also examine how their working environment may be contributing to the issue.
EAPA-SA indicates that mental health issues lead to significant productivity losses annually, with employee absenteeism due to depression alone costing the South African economy about R19 billion every year. This highlights the importance of investing in mental health in various industries.
