Don't let your own mental health concerns — or those of your employees — fester. It's important to take action right away to get help.
Recent studies show that over 70% of workers reported feeling stressed and overburdened at work, while 58% said their mental load is overwhelming. To counter this trend, mental health needs to be a part of the workplace.
"When people feel supported mentally, physically and socially, they can then bring their best selves to work — creating better outcomes for individuals and organizations," said Peter Miscovich.
Miscovich helps Fortune 100 organizations manage their employees. He also co-authored "The Workplace You Need Now," which guides executives in handling workers' concerns and mental health.
There is a shift in employee priorities to "health and wellness before wealth," he said. "Prioritize health and wellness to drive human performance, innovation and creativity."
Demonstrate Caring To Drive Mental Health
To improve employees' mental health, organizations need to build an environment of open communication, Miscovich said.
You build trust and employee satisfaction by listening to and acting on employee feedback.
Alison Smith, chief human resources officer for Cortland, a multifamily real estate company, said her company encourages two-way communication. The company and its employees routinely check in with each other, she says.
"We do this by providing a myriad of opportunities and channels for employees to give feedback," said Smith. "That way we can understand and improve on the things that matter to them."
Drive Health And Wellness Through Workplace Design
Even the way an office is designed can help improve mental health in the workplace.
Touches like areas to socialize, plenty of natural light and sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise and distractions can help, says Miscovich. Further, furnishings should consider comfort while also inviting people to relax and feel at home.
"Many organizations are choosing to create an environment similar to a clubhouse or boutique hotel: engaging, stimulating and even entertaining," Miscovich said.
Provide In-House Health And Wellness Employee Programs
Cortland created a director of care and wellness position at the company to support employee well-being. The company is also learning which areas affect employees' mental health the most. After seeing how many of their employees are dealing with grief, "we started a monthly grief support group," Smith said.
Expand The Definition Of Health And Wellness
There are many elements of a holistic wellness program in addition to physical and mental health, says Stephanie Douglass. Douglass is chief people officer for Quizlet, an app that helps students learn.
For example, financial health is also essential to a wellness program. "Navigating the increasingly complex world of one's finances is extremely stressful and can compound other stressors in one's personal life, work life and more," she said.
Employee feedback can help companies determine what other areas need to be expanded.
Be Proactive About Mental Health
Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are common, yet most people know little about them, says Mia St. John.
St. John is a five-time boxing champion who has made mental health her current opponent. CNN named her as a "Mental Health Warrior." St. John has spoken on Capitol Hill to create support for mental health initiatives.
She recommends people actively improve their mental health. If you feel depression and anxiety, simply take the initiative and "learn about mental illnesses and educate yourself," St. John said.
Find Your Purpose
St. John suffered the tragedy of losing her son Julian to suicide in his mid-20s in 2014. After her son passed, she had to find a reason to live. She founded the Mia St. John Foundation in response.
"I created programs for the homeless who suffered from mental illness and/or addiction like my son," she said. "This gave me a sense of purpose, a reason to wake up in the morning."
Stay Physically Healthy To Stay Mentally Healthy
Working out regularly and eating well is vital to mental health too, St. John says.
Fitness programs after work or during break times have proved to be very beneficial, St. John says. Activities like standing up and sitting down in your chair five to 10 times every 30 minutes per day, or making it a point to take the stairs instead of an elevator, can improve your health.
"If you have a desk job, this should be a must." St. John said. "Overall, exercising releases endorphins, which make you feel good."
