The Importance Of Good Mental Health At The Workplace: 10 Things To Know

Mental health is just as important as ever. Employers are becoming more aware of this and they take necessary measures to check on the well-being of their employees. If you are an employer that commands a small team at your business, this guide is for you. We'll be taking a look at 10 things you'll want to know about mental health in the workplace. The experts from The Heights Treatment will make sure you're on the right page with your employees. Soon, you will be able to spot any signs of potential mental distress and make the right call for employees that need help to get it. Let's take a look now at the following list below to know the importance of good mental health

Good mental health means better focus and productivity

One of the key benefits of someone who is mentally fit is their ability to focus. That's not to say that a lack of focus is a general sign of poor mental health. But if they are in the not frame of mind, the focus will be hard to come by. To that end, they may also suffer from low productivity. If they are in a good mood, they will do their best to work hard and help meet your business goals. Also read: 5 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health

The morale will be good

People who are in a good mood will often interact with other people. This includes their co-workers, bosses, and even customers or clients. Overall, the morale levels will be good. Everyone is happy, enjoying themselves, and comfortable with where they are. The exact opposite of this is that people may be unhappy, withdrawn, and may not want to interact with anyone 

The work/life balance can play a role in good mental health

 We know that things can get busy. We know that a business will need to reach its goals. However, it's important to find that healthy work/life balance for you and your employees. Too much work can lead to burnout (which can be harmful to one's mental health).  Be sure that your employees work the right amount of hours that will require them to be as productive and focused as possible. Place emphasis on the fact that they have a life outside of the office. Allow them enough time to spend it with family or unwinding at home.

Good mental health means better attendance 

When a person is in a good mood, they can go to work ready and raring to go. The opposite would be that they won't feel like leaving the house. So they may call in sick and use the opportunity to take a mental health day.  It's OK to give someone a mental health day if they need it. But if they miss work regularly due to poor mental health, it can hurt the business. There may be financial implications among others. Plus, poor mental health may be severe enough to the point where they may need to draw disability and take a leave of absence.

It keeps healthcare costs low 

As an employer, you may have the responsibility of providing quality healthcare coverage for employees. These policies may not come cheap. And mental health care can also be costly as well. In fact, persons who are faced with a high risk for depression have one of the highest health care costs in the country. Right up there with illnesses related to smoking and obesity. Good mental health in the workplace can keep costs low in terms of healthcare (and allow you to maintain any expenses pertaining to the insurance benefits you provide).

Make mental health self-assessments available

You'll want to make your employees a priority when it comes to most things at work. This includes a mental health self-assessment. Let them know that it is available through you in case they feel like taking one  Remind them that the assessments are confidential. Let them know if they are not in the right place, you can also grant them access to resources you may have. This includes but are not limited to contact information for mental health counselors, drug rehab treatment, and related facilities that are designed for a person's mental health.

Get people involved with mindfulness exercises

Depending on the setup at work, you can get people together in small groups to practice mindfulness. Set aside a time period where people can sit, relax, and perform mindfulness exercises such as breathing or a quick meditation. Mindfulness exercises will reduce stress, anxiety, and keep your mind sharp. It will help get them in the habit of doing these on a regular basis. Especially in times when they seem to be a little stressed and want to calm down a bit. This is an excellent alternative compared to other techniques that are considered negative. This includes the use of drugs or alcohol.

Hold workshops about mental health 

You can hold workshops on mental health and make people aware about it along with its connection in the workplace. Give them a chance to understand the basic framework. They can learn about how they can reach out to anyone in case they may have an issue. You can also teach them to self-identify any signs of potential mental issues they may have. The identification process can also be helpful in identifying those signs in other people. 

Let them know that it's OK to talk

While you may not be a mental health professional, you may be someone to confide in. If something seems wrong with an employee, have a confidential talk with them. Let them know that the conversation won't leave the room. Remind them that if something's bothering them, it's OK to talk about it. Let them know that if anything, you can help them get back in the right frame of mind.

Be compassionate and help them out

As an employer, you'll want to be compassionate and emphasize with an employee that may not be feeling their best. If they feel that they need some kind of mental help, give them access to any resources they may need. To make this easier, make connections with mental health professionals in your community.  You'll have a network of professionals to use in case your employees need help for their mental health.