This year we celebrate world mental health day 2017 and the theme of –Mental health in the workplace. Below is some information on this year’s theme:
Key facts:
- Work is good for mental health but a negative working environment can lead to physical and mental health problems.
- Harassment and bullying at work are commonly reported problems and can have a substantial adverse impact on mental health.
- There are many effective actions that organizations can take to promote mental health in the workplace; such actions may also benefit productivity.
A negative working environment may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity. Workplaces that promote mental health and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and benefit from associated economic gains.
There are many risk factors for mental health that may be present in the working environment. Most risks relate to interactions between type of work, the organizational and managerial environment, the skills and competencies of employees, and the support available for employees to carry out their work. For example, a person may have the skills to complete tasks, but they may have too few resources to do what is required, or there may be unsupportive managerial or organizational practices.
Risks to mental health include:
- poor communication and management practices;
- limited participation in decision-making or low control over one’s area of work;
- low levels of support for employees;
- inflexible working hours; and
- Unclear tasks or organizational objectives.
Creating a healthy workplace
A healthy workplace can be described as one where workers and managers actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all employees. A recent guide from the World Economic Forum suggests that interventions should take a 3-pronged approach:
- Protect mental health by reducing work-related risk factors.
- Promote mental health by developing the positive aspects of work and the strengths of employees.
- Address mental health problems regardless of cause.
The guide highlights steps organizations can take to create a healthy workplace, including:
- Awareness of the workplace environment and how it can be adapted to promote better mental health for different employees.
- Learning from the motivations of organizational leaders and employees who have taken action.
- Understanding the opportunities and needs of individual employees, in helping to develop better policies for workplace mental health.
- Awareness of sources of support and where people can find help.
If you want to talk to someone regarding mental health feel free to contact our mental health team on 20066 Ext 758., [Monday – Friday], 55548 OR 80818
HAPPY MENTAL HEALTH DAY – DO SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL FOR YOURSELF TODAY