Overcoming Stress in the Workplace: 5 Pillars of Mental Health at Work

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace. The world health organization (WHO) reported that 12 billion workdays are lost to depression and anxiety at a cost of 1 trillion per year. * Don’t think it affects you or your team? The American Psychiatric Association is reporting that 1 in 5 adults in the US have a diagnosable mental disorder.** 1 in 24 adults have a serious mental illness, and 1 in 12 have a substance use disorder.** This is a major issue in your workplace whether you believe it or not. So, when is the right time to take mental health seriously as a business owner?

Let’s start to look at ways to create supportive work environments that prioritizes the well-being of our employees. Not only will it foster a positive and productive atmosphere, but it will also contribute to the saving of your bottom line and the overall success of your organization. To establish a robust framework for mental health, it is essential to focus on 5 key pillars: Safety and Security, Social Support and Belonging, Autonomy and Flexibility, Dignity and Meaningful Purpose, and Learning and Accomplishment. Let's explore each pillar and understand how they contribute to creating a mentally healthy workplace.

"1 in 5 adults in the US have a diagnosable mental disorder - American Psychiatric Association report"

1. Safety Security: Safety Security refers to creating an environment that reduces uncertainty and promotes a sense of well-being among employees. This pillar involves several aspects, including:

• Mental Health Training: Providing comprehensive mental health training programs for managers and employees can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip individuals with the skills to support their colleagues effectively.

• Safe Spaces for Communication: Designating safe spaces, such as support groups or counseling services, where employees can openly discuss their mental health challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions, is crucial. This promotes a culture of openness and empathy.

• Promoting Well-being: Implementing workplace communication channels, such as newsletters and intranets, to share information on mental and physical well-being can help employees access resources, tips, and guidance for leading a balanced lifestyle.

• Proper Mental Health Coverage: Offering comprehensive mental health coverage in employee benefit packages ensures that employees have access to necessary mental health services and treatments without financial barriers.

• Ensuring Physical Safety: Providing necessary equipment, like personal protective equipment (PPE), and establishing emergency procedures and data lockup protocols, contributes to a sense of security and reduces anxiety related to physical and emotional safety.

2. Social Support & Belonging: Creating an inclusive work culture that values respect and fosters social connections is vital for employees' mental well-being. Key elements of this pillar include:

• Inclusive Work Culture: Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace through training, policies, and awareness programs helps employees feel valued and respected, contributing to a sense of belonging.

• Mentoring Relationships: Encouraging mentoring relationships can provide employees with guidance, support, and a platform to discuss their career aspirations and personal challenges.

• Power of Teamwork: Emphasizing teamwork and collaboration enables employees to work together, share ideas, and feel a sense of camaraderie. This cultivates a supportive environment where individuals can lean on one another for assistance and motivation.

• Benefits of Connection: Encouraging social connections through team-building activities, group projects, or social events fosters a positive work environment where employees feel connected and supported by their peers.

"Encouraging mentoring relationships can provide employees with guidance, support and a platform to discuss their career aspirations and personal challenges."

3. Autonomy & Flexibility: Granting employees autonomy and flexibility in their work schedules can significantly impact their mental health. Key considerations within this pillar include:

• Paid Time Off and Flexible Schedules: Recognizing the value of rest and relaxation, organizations should provide paid time off and flexible scheduling options to allow employees to balance their work and personal lives effectively.
• Respecting Boundaries: Respecting boundaries between work and non-work hours helps prevent burnout and enables employees to recharge and engage in activities outside of work that promote their well-being.
• Delegation of Responsibilities: Regularly evaluating decision-making processes and identifying opportunities for delegation can empower employees, distribute workloads effectively, and reduce stress levels.

4. Dignity and Meaningful Purpose: Fostering a sense of dignity and purpose in the workplace significantly contributes to employees' mental health. Consider the following aspects:

• Recognition and Appreciation: Establishing formalized recognition and appreciation programs, such as employee of the month or quarterly awards, acknowledges employees' hard work and contributions. Additionally, recognizing significant life milestones, both personal and professional, demonstrates that the organization values and cares about the well-being of its employees.

• Clarifying How and Why Work Matters: Providing clarity on how individual roles contribute to the overall mission and purpose of the organization helps employees find meaning and fulfillment in their work. Regularly communicating the impact of their efforts creates a sense of dignity and motivates them to perform at their best.

• Employee Involvement: Creating opportunities for employee involvement, such as soliciting feedback and ideas, involving employees in decision-making processes, or having a video newsletter showcasing employee achievements, promotes a sense of inclusion and empowers individuals to feel valued and respected for their contributions.

  "Providing clarity on how individual roles contribute to the overall mission and purpose of the organization helps employees find meaning and fulfillment in their work."

5. Learning and Accomplishment: Continual learning and growth opportunities are essential for employee well-being. This pillar focuses on:

• Quality Training and Education: Offering relevant and high-quality training programs, workshops, and resources not only enhances employees' skills but also demonstrates the organization's commitment to their professional development and growth.
• Equitable Pathways for Career Advancement: Establishing transparent and fair processes for career advancement, including clear performance evaluation criteria and equal opportunities for growth, fosters a sense of accomplishment and provides employees with goals to strive for.
• Timely and Meaningful Evaluations: Conducting regular performance evaluations that are constructive, timely, and focused on employees' strengths and areas for improvement helps employees track their progress, understand their value within the organization, and set goals for their development.

That facts have been stated and mental illness is affecting our personal and professional lives. It is in our businesses and wreaking havoc on our economy. It is imperative that we begin prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Now it’s thinking time. How can you focus on the five pillars of mental health within your own organization? - Safety and Security, Social Support and Belonging, Autonomy and Flexibility, Dignity and Meaningful Purpose, and Learning and Accomplishment—What will be the outcome of your organization once it has instilled a supportive and nurturing environment for your team. Building a workplace culture that promotes mental well-being not only improves employee satisfaction and engagement but also enhances productivity and organizational success. As employers, it is our responsibility to invest in the mental health of our workforce, creating a positive and fulfilling work environment for all. By doing so, we can create a brighter future where mental health is given the attention and care it deserves.

If you are wondering what the next steps are, I recommend reaching out to coaching resources. Surround yourself with a team to provide information, options, communication, training, and systems to support the employees that support your business.

This blog was inspired by a presentation given by Steve Dixon President & CEO of P B Hoidale Co Inc. located in Wichita, KS

* https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work#:~:text=Globally%2C%20an%20estimated%2012%20billion,per%20year%20in%20lost%20productivity.

** https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/reporting-on-mental-health-conditions