Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace

Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace

In today's dynamic workplace environment, employee mental health is more important than ever. According to recent research, mental health issues in the workplace have surged, with the World Health Organization estimating that depression and anxiety cost the global economy around $1 trillion in lost productivity each year. The demand for mental health support in organisations has intensified, especially as hybrid and remote work models become more prevalent, creating new challenges in managing work-life balance and mental well-being.

In Australia, one in five people experience mental health challenges, and the workplace is no exception. A 2023 survey by Heads Up revealed that 91% of Australian employees believe that their workplace mental health has a significant impact on their overall well-being. Yet, despite growing awareness, many organisations struggle to address this issue effectively, leaving employees without the necessary support systems in place. Employers must now rise to the occasion by providing robust mental health resources and fostering open, supportive workplace environments.

In a recent Australia Market Update, Catherine Kennedy, NSW Managing Director, and Shavneel Narayan, Recruitment Consultant, shed light on their perspectives regarding the challenges employees face and what can be done to foster a more supportive work environment.

"Candidates now ask about mental health policies during interviews. It’s becoming a critical factor for them when choosing a job."

Catherine began by addressing the increasing awareness surrounding mental health and how businesses must move beyond just “tick-the-box” initiatives. "We need to move past the idea of just having mental health days as a solution," she remarked. "It’s about creating a culture where employees feel genuinely supported every day, not just when they’re already burnt out." Catherine emphasised the importance of daily, consistent efforts by management to check in on their teams and create a sense of safety and openness.

Shavneel built on this point by sharing his own observations as a Recruitment Consultant. "From my experience," Shavneel explained, "candidates now ask about mental health policies during interviews. It’s becoming a critical factor for them when choosing a job." He elaborated on the fact that today’s candidates want to know that the organisations they are joining are committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. This shift in expectations highlights the need for businesses to evolve their approach to recruitment and retention.

The conversation also touched on the role that leadership plays in modelling positive mental health behaviours. Catherine noted, "Leaders must be proactive in not only recognising the signs of burnout but also in encouraging practices like taking time off and managing workload effectively." She pointed out that if leaders fail to set a good example, employees may feel pressured to push through stress without addressing it, which can lead to long-term consequences for both individuals and the company.

In response, Shavneel mentioned the positive impacts he’s seen when organisations take mental health seriously. "I’ve noticed higher retention rates in companies that have integrated mental health support into their employee wellness programs," he said. "It’s not just about offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) but making sure there’s a genuine connection and ongoing support."

This Australia Market Update from People2People underscored the critical need for mental health support to be ingrained into the fabric of workplace culture. By encouraging open dialogue, businesses can help employees feel valued and supported, which not only benefits the individuals but also leads to a healthier, more productive workforce overall.

Practical Strategies to Improve Workplace Mental Health

Fostering a mentally healthy workplace requires more than just an occasional focus on well-being. Below are some actionable strategies that organisations can implement to promote and maintain a positive mental health culture:

1. Encourage open communication: Establish a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges without fear of judgment or negative repercussions. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy can help to reduce stigma.
2. Provide mental health training: Equip managers and leaders with the skills needed to identify early signs of stress and mental health challenges within their teams. This training should include how to have supportive conversations and where to direct employees for further help.
3. Create a supportive environment: Foster an atmosphere where work-life balance is respected, and encourage practices such as taking breaks, limiting after-hours work, and setting boundaries with clients and colleagues.
4. Promote mental health resources: Ensure that all employees are aware of the mental health resources available to them, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health days, and wellness programs. Make these resources easy to access and ensure they are promoted regularly.
5. Lead by example: Leaders and managers should model good mental health practices by taking care of their own well-being, taking time off when needed, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When leadership prioritises mental health, it sends a clear message to the rest of the organisation that it is a priority for everyone.

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As a white-collar recruitment agency, people2people is committed to supporting businesses in navigating the evolving landscape of inclusivity and diversity. We specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Outstanding Large Agency Award and Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.