7 Tips For Creating A Mentally Healthy Workplace

This year, World Mental Health Day falls on the 10th of October 2024, and this year’s theme is all about supporting mental health within the workplace environment. The Workplace Mental Health theme aims to address mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and explore how having a mentally healthy workplace benefits people, organisations, and our communities.

With that in mind, today we’re going to be diving into how companies can start to, or continue to, create a mentally healthy workplace that supports their employee’s mental wellbeing. 

Tips For Companies Wanting To Create A Mentally Healthy Workplace

Creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t just good for a company’s employees, it’s also extremely beneficial for the business itself. Prioritising mental health within your company creates an environment where employees feel supported and valued. This, in turn, cultivates a workforce that is more engaged, productive, and loyal. 

A mentally healthy workplace that prioritises its employee’s mental wellbeing also results in a reduction in absences, burnout, and, ultimately, staff turnover – all of which are very common challenges many organisations face today. Reading this article is your first step to creating a mentally healthy workplace, so let’s take a look at the tips we’ll be covering:

• Encouraging Open Communication With Employees
• Supplying Mental Health Resources To All Employees
• Promoting A Healthy Work/Life Balance
• Encouraging Healthy Peer Support Networks
• Providing Leaders With Mental Health Training

Let’s get started.

Read This: How To Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem (Free Printable Resources)

Encouraging Open Communication With Employees

One of the first steps to creating a mentally healthy workplace is to encourage employees to share what’s on their mind freely, without fear of judgement or consequence. No one will want to discuss what’s bothering them with their boss if they fear it’ll result in job loss, or any other work-related ‘punishment’. 

Leaders and management should make themselves approachable and empathetic. Openly discussing mental health and leading by example are great ways to show employees that their place of work appreciates and cares for their mental health. Holding regular check-ins or one-to-one meetings can provide employees with the opportunity to share any concerns or stressful circumstances they may be experiencing. 

Supplying Mental Health Resources To All Employees

Many companies throughout the UK offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). These programmes provide employees with access to counselling services, mental health resources, and wellness programmes. If your organisation does not currently have an EAP in place, this is a great time to consider implementing one. Additionally, you can aim to provide resources such as mental health toolkits, self-care tips, or recommended mindfulness apps that can help employees manage their stress and maintain positive mental wellbeing. 

Promoting A Healthy Work/Life Balance

Leaders and management need to remember that employees are people too, with families and other responsibilities in their lives which also take up their precious time. Burnout is such a significant contributor to poor mental health in the workplace. To combat this, companies should actively promote work-life balance. This could mean offering flexible working hours, providing remote working opportunities, or simply encouraging employees to take their full lunch break and use their entitled holiday days. 

Creating clear boundaries between work and personal time allows employees to recharge and prevents long-term exhaustion and even workplace absences. 

Encouraging Healthy Peer Support Networks

Your workforce is a team, therefore building a strong sense of community within the workplace can be incredibly beneficial, not only for the company but also for the people you employ. Peer support networks, such as employee resource groups or informal wellness committees, can provide employees with a sense of belonging and provide a safe space for them to share their experiences. Peer support networks can transform a workplace and even provide organised events, such as wellness challenges and workshops that aim to promote mental health awareness and encourage staff to seek out mental health support.

Provide Mental Health Training

To create a mentally healthy workplace, you must supply managers with the tools and training needed to recognise the signs of poor mental health. Mental health training courses or workshops on stress management and resilience can equip teams with the skills they need to support each other. When employees are trained to recognise early warning signs of stress, anxiety, or depression, they can seek help sooner or offer support to a colleague in need.

Creating A Mentally Healthy Workplace With An Environment That Supports Your Employees 

To create a mentally healthy workplace, you must provide an environment that supports and nurtures your employee’s emotional needs. It’s time to scrap the tiny cubicles and windowless rooms and start incorporating more bright, open, and comfortable spaces. Ensure that the workplace environment provides employees with plenty of natural light, plants, and quiet areas for moments of peace and quiet. Even making small changes, like upgrading to ergonomic furniture or standing desks can make a huge impact on an employee’s comfort and overall mental health. 

Lead By Example

Finally, leadership must take a stand and lead by example when it comes to mental health. Management and leaders who are seen prioritising their own mental health, whether that is through taking mental health days or utilising quiet areas for practising mindfulness, send a powerful message to the whole team. It shows that the company’s leaders are understanding, that they are empathetic to the team’s struggles and stress triggers, and also that they are compassionate and understanding. 

World Mental Health Day Resources

It is now more important than ever to prioritise mental health in the workplace. Charities such as Mental Health UK and Mind are there to offer support to businesses looking to implement strategies that prioritise mentally healthy workplaces. They offer a variety of resources for free, including posters, guides, and even email signatures, to get you started. They are Mental Health UK also currently offering a 10% discount off their top 3 mental health courses if ordered in October. 

The Bottom Line When It Comes To Creating A Mentally Healthy Workplace

As World Mental Health Day draws closer, it’s time to take a step back and reflect on how we can make our workplaces better for everyone, starting with mental health. Whether it’s creating a judgement-free zone to talk candidly with your team, offering mental health resources, or simply checking in on a colleague and having a cup of tea together, every small action can make a big difference.