Taking action for mental health at work

Our workplaces are more than just spaces where we complete tasks: they're communities where we spend a significant portion of our lives. Our work environments greatly affect our mental health and overall well-being.

Mental health is crucial to our ability to focus, make sound decisions, collaborate effectively, and manage stress. Neglecting mental health can lead to lower productivity, morale and the overall work atmosphere. By normalising mental health at work through our actions, we create a healthier, happier, and more successful workplace for everyone.

How you as an individual can take action for mental health at work: 

💬 Use inclusive language: Respect and acknowledge the diversity of human experiences to foster a sense of belonging. This will help support psychological safety, making it easier for colleagues to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. 

👂 Practise active listening: Give your full attention in conversations, and demonstrate empathy to help create a supportive atmosphere where all team members feel valued and heard.

🚧 Set and respect boundaries: Manage workloads and respect others' time and space, to ensure a balanced and healthy work environment.

How employers and organisations can take action for mental health at work:

🔦 Strong signalling from the top: When leaders openly prioritise mental health and destigmatize conversations around it, they create a safe space for employees to seek help.

📚 Offer opportunities for training & education: Organise talks, workshops, and trainings to empower employees to provide peer support to colleagues and empower managers to provide effective support for their teams.

🧠 Provide access to mental health resources: Offer a variety of mental health resources (e.g. health insurance with claimable therapy sessions, information and guides, regular workplace well-being programmes, flexible working options) to make access to mental health support more easily accessible.

👥 Highlight mental health as a shared responsibility: Encourage open communication and a psychologically safe culture where everyone feels comfortable asking for help and offering it.

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