The pressure of deadlines and workload can pile up, and it’s not as if personal problems can be put on hold. Without a proper support system, this can lead to bad mood and poor productivity at best, burnout, and deteriorating health at worst. One thing is certain — a work environment like that won’t help anyone.
HR professionals have a key role to play in making a workplace feel welcoming. A solid mental health strategy benefits both employees and businesses. It leads to higher engagement, better performance, and lower turnover. In this article, we will discuss how HR can support workplace mental health.
Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture
A positive corporate culture will uplift your employees. The workers will be able to talk freely about their wellbeing, which is a huge step toward creating a healthy environment. They can only admit they are having problems if it’s encouraged. The HR has a key role here to make sure it is so.
Even an unconventional approach here could be of use: psychic advice, for example, suggests to only relying on logic, but also listening to intuition. If you’re an HR, there might be some signs you’ve picked up subconsciously — don’t brush them off. It might be the first step to figuring out someone having a problem before your conscious problem-solving skills join in. It might be a cue to gently inquire: is there anything that can be of help?
One of the methods by which HR can help people to open up is to work with managers. Education is important, and training is the way to go. An approach like that will help managers work on their soft skills.
This in turn will help them be more effective at communication. They can regularly check in with their teams and offer support when needed. Workshops on emotional intelligence can also help any employee to not only become better at negotiating with others but also recognize their own struggles before they spiral out of control.
A sense of safety is also key. Employees should feel free to give their opinions without fear of being judged or taken advantage of. HR should introduce policies that protect workers, so everyone feels comfortable in the workplace.
HR can also organize mental health awareness days and host workshops. This can help reduce stigma and communicate that the organization is interested in the well-being of its employees.
Providing Mental Health Resources and Benefits
Making mental health services accessible is another way in which HR can help make the workplace a better environment for everyone. It might be anything from free therapy sessions or stress management programs. HR managers are the ones who can let people know they have those options, organize relevant events, and encourage employees to participate.
Flexible work arrangements are another factor that can contribute to workers’ well-being. Allowing employees to do their jobs remotely or adjust their hours can help them balance personal life and professional responsibilities.
Wellness programs also play a significant role. HR can arrange free meditation or fitness classes, or anything similar. Such activities help employees to focus on their physical and mental health while making it more readily available for anyone, despite their financial situation.
Managing Workload and Preventing Burnout
Excessive workload is one of the main sources of stress. HR should work together with managers to make sure that the expectations they put on their subordinates are realistic. Employees should not overwork, and they won’t be able to do that if the deadlines are unrealistic or they have so many responsibilities they can’t physically keep track of everything.
One way of preventing burnout is through promoting work-life balance. HR can promote policies that support employees’ personal time. For example, companies can discourage calls and emails outside work hours. Supporting employees to take regular breaks and use their holiday time is also key here.
Addressing Mental Health-Related Discrimination
Despite growing awareness, there is still a stigma surrounding mental illness. Workers may believe that speaking about their conditions will negatively impact their job prospects. HR must take steps to address this and make sure they feel comfortable voicing their concerns.
Having explicit anti-discrimination policies is one way of doing so. Confidentiality is also necessary. Employees should be sure their mental health problems will be handled privately. HR needs to make sure that the discussion of mental health will not become public knowledge. This will build trust and encourage employees to seek help when they need it.
Conclusion
A healthy workplace benefits everyone. Employees are less stressed and more productive. Companies see more engagement and reduce turnover. A win-win for every party involved.
HR plays a key role in supporting workplace mental health. Those professionals who work directly with people can help employees keep up their wellbeing. When HR prioritizes mental health, the workplace becomes a happier and more productive space for everyone involved.
Guest writer
