Prioritise mental health in the workplace

By Nqoba Maryln Sibenke | Oct. 10, 2024 | 3 Min read

Employees Wellness

The post Covid-19 era has seen a rise in conversations around mental health issues.

This has been necessitated by the overwhelming rise in drug and substance abuse issues, depression and suicide cases. While it is true that most mental health issues are a result of personal struggles, it is not a secret that workplace politics and environment contribute to the overall well-being of individuals.

A two-way relationship exists between work life and personal life. Each impacts the other either positively or negatively. As such it is important to have a balance between the two aspects. Work-life balance is essential in promoting a healthy individual who can easily manage both their personal and work lives. It is critical to have boundaries which govern the interaction of these two aspects. Individuals who face conflict in their personal and social life are likely to carry the conflict into the work space. These conflicts may affect relations with fellow workmates, contribute to poor work performance and hence affect the productivity of the organisation.

Organisational culture can contribute to either positive or negative mental health outcomes. Poor communication, lack of supportive structures, poor working conditions and remuneration, unsustainable working loads and hours are among the most common causes of work stress. Employees have complained of harassment at work and this contributes to poor mental health among employees. Cases of gender- based violence and sexual harassment are not an exception in the workplace. These create a toxic environment that affects the workplace psychological climate. Other issues which can compromise workplace mental health include bullying, stigma and discrimination, unfair and biased discipline. Employees are also likely to face work-related trauma, burnout and depression among other mental health challenges.

As such it is essential to have a work environment that promotes the mental well-being of its employees. Organisations should have policies that support mental health to safeguard its employees. Strategic mental health programmes in the form of mental health awareness workshops and seminars in the workplace are critical. Psycho éducation for both management and staff on mental health issues will also increase awareness on critical issues. Some important issues that can be tackled include stress management, work-life balance, conflict resolution and communication skills among others. Mental health awareness will not only benefit the organisation but will help employees to be able to deal with their day-to-day challenges that they face outside the workplace.

Management plays a key role in ensuring that the work environment is non-toxic. As such it is important for leadership to have knowledge on mental health issues. Intentional mental health training for management will go a long way in equipping and empowering management on how to approach different mental health issues as well as how to be strategic in promoting mental health in the work environment. It is also notable that a few people engage mental health professionals when faced with mental health issues. The provision of mental health services within the workplace is a potential step in reducing the stigma that is associated with mental health issues. It is important for employees to be encouraged to seek professional help in terms of mental health assessments, counselling and psychotherapy services.

A number of organisations have incorporated wellness programmes to promote physical health and fitness. It is important to complement these attempts by introducing intentional mental health programmes in the workplace. Paying attention to physical health and neglecting mental health results in an unbalanced system. We need to employ intentional mental health policies and strategies in order to improve our mental health service provision and improve workplace mental health.

This year’s Mental Health Day theme focuses on the importance of workplace mental health. It is important for us to pay attention to issues that affect employees and put the necessary measures to heighten positive mental health in the workplace. A revolution in workplace mental health will go a long way in improving mental health even outside the workplace. A collaborative effort by both management and employees can indeed transform the workplace. It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.