First Published 10 October 2024

This year’s theme is “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”  It’s a crucial reminder that our mental well-being plays a significant role in our productivity, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life.

Thankfully, many employers are starting to acknowledge this but I do feel that for some, there is still a long way to go.  
 

Why is it Important?

Mental health matters at work:  Prioritising mental in the workplace is essential for creating a supportive and productive environment.  If we are in an environment where we feel supported, we tend to be happier and thus productive!  So take some time to work out how you can support your colleagues and yourself to create an environment where you can thrive. 

Reduce Stigma:  Breaking the stigma around mental health will allow us to create a culture of open communication that then leads to more satisfying conversations.

Promote self-care: Remind yourself and your colleagues to take breaks, whether that is to stand up and look away from a screen for 30 seconds or simply make sure to take your lunch break – away from your desk!

How Can I Make a Difference?

If you aren’t the boss and feel you have no say in how anything is done or run, what can you do to help improve the working environment?  My suggestion is to start with the above and embrace the below:

Start Small: Can you make changes in your workspace?  What can you do to organise your space?  Can you add a plant or personalise the space in a way that will lift your spirits and create a more positive atmosphere? (if you work from home, the answer to this is a resounding YES!)

Be Supportive:  Offer a listening ear to colleagues who may be struggling.  Let them know you’re available and encourage them to speak to you, this is, if you feel you are able to hold the space for them to offload.

Speak Up:  If you witness or experience negative behaviour that affects mental health, report it to the appropriate person in your organisation.  Many years ago I was very grateful for the support of a colleague who spoke up on my behalf when they felt a colleague was bullying me – you could be that person for someone else who either hasn’t noticed or is too uncomfortable to speak up for themselves.

Lead by Example:  Demonstrate healthy behaviours, so take a break, practice self-care and maintain a positive attitude where appropriate.  (remember if you are not feeling positive you don’t have to fake it, be authentic to yourself – and ask for support!)

Suggest Improvements: Share any ideas you have for creating a more mentally healthy workplace with your team and managers – sometimes it just takes someone pointing something out for change for the better, what you notice may have been in someone else’s blind spot!

If we look at mental health in the same way as we think of health and safety – it is EVERYONE’s responsibility – so what change can you implement today (or tomorrow if you are reading this in the evening, what can you do tomorrow?)