To prioritize the mental health of team members, organizations and their leaders must create a culture that intentionally advocates for, addresses, and supports mental health. Leaders everywhere are recognizing that not only is prioritizing the mental health of their team members a moral imperative, but it’s essential in retaining their greatest resources and key to the future of their organization. Mental health issues and illnesses are correlated with higher rates of disability and unemployment, with data revealing only 57% of team members who report moderate depression, and 40% reporting severe depression, ever receiving treatment. High stress and poor mental health is also known to affect team member’s job performance, productivity, and engagement as well as their relationships with peers and their physical and cognitive functioning.
What Leaders Can Do
Organizations that truly believe in prioritizing the mental health and wellbeing of their team members know that this starts with their leaders. Team members will be more likely to engage in the organization’s mental health programs and activities if it’s promoted and offered by those they trust. But it takes more than just having a program available – leaders must engage with their team members, encourage participation, and lead with empathy. There are many important activities and undertakings leaders can do that will help prioritize mental health in the workplace, such as:
- Incorporate workplace health and wellness programs. Organizations that successfully engage their team members in workplace health and wellness programs are proven to have a healthier and happier workforce. If your organization doesn’t have a health and wellness program in place, present the idea to see if your organization can incorporate one.
- Promote mental health awareness and provide support. Discuss with your team about the importance of mental health and overall wellbeing during team meetings and other workplace initiatives. By openly communicating with honesty and empathy, you create an environment of trust where your team members will feel comfortable enough to discuss difficult experiences. Continue to encourage your team members to participate in the organization’s health and wellness programs, especially those who are expressing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Create time on employee calendars, and physical spaces in the workplace, that allow employees to have the opportunity to step away and practice relaxation activities, such as yoga or meditation.
- Host events and workshops that address mental health and provide stress management techniques. You should promote these events in advance and host them at times when it’s easier for interested team members to attend. Try out workshops that provide mental health education and teach mindfulness, breathing, and meditation techniques. These have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in individuals, as well as improve their cognitive skills.
- Encourage team members to participate in team building and career growth programs. Participation creates trust with the organization, a sense of community among peers, increases job satisfaction, and is proven to combat feelings of work isolation. Consider initiating mentorship programs, culture club meetings, company outings, and peer recognition programs if your organization doesn’t already offer them.
- Respect work-life balance. Gone are the days when society expects employees to leave their non-work lives at the door. Home life and work life are not two separate entities, but a blend of experiences in each person’s life. As a leader, it’s important to support your employees both in and out of work. Do your part in allowing employees to have ample time to enjoy their family, friends, and passions. Set expectations regarding work schedules and deadlines and contact team members outside of work only when necessary.
- Provide mental health training to managers that help them recognize signs of stress, anxiety, and depression in team members. All leaders in an organization should encourage team members showing these signs to seek help from qualified mental health professionals.
- Allow team members to participate in organizational decisions that could potentially increase their job stress. If it’s a decision that must be made, discuss the decision with your team members well before they see changes and answer their questions and concerns with empathy.
What Team Members Can Do
Thought it takes leaders to initiate and steer a healthy workplace culture, it takes engaged team members to keep it alive. All team members, including leaders, should participate in the following activities and undertakings to prioritize their own mental health and wellbeing:
- Share your experiences with co-workers when appropriate. Without having others to talk with about difficult situations, including mental health, stigma and isolation can occur. If a team member is sharing a personal experience or issue with you, be open-minded, show support, and be empathetic in your responses. If you think your co-worker may need to seek professional help, speak with someone in HR or encourage them to seek a counselor.
- Eat healthy and nutritious meals. A well-balanced diet not only keeps us physically healthy, but it helps us think clearly, stay alert, and feel happier. There’s a proven connection between the emotions you experience and what your body is using as fuel – some studies have even shown that preservatives, food coloring, and additives can make depression worse. Be sure you’re eating real, nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, nutrient-filled carbs (like whole grains and beans), and foods packed with fiber, antioxidants, folate, vitamin D, and magnesium. Avoid too much sugar and drink plenty of water each day.
- Exercise Regularly. Exercise has an enormous impact on improving quality sleep, reducing stress, increasing energy and stamina, and improving mood. You can talk with your doctor about how much weekly exercise is right for you – but the general consensus is to enjoy 30 minutes of exercise three to five days a week.
- Get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Getting sufficient hours of quality sleep each night allows your body to enter REM cycles, which facilitates your brain’s ability to process emotions and information, as well as gives your body the opportunity to improves its overall physical health.
- Build and nurture social connections. We are social beings – having social connections is very closely tied to our mental and emotional health. People who experience more feelings of social connectedness are shown to have less symptoms of anxiety and depression. To build new social connections as an adult, participate in hobbies, clubs, and activities that interest you and don’t be afraid to start conversations with others in your group. If you already have an established group of connections, nurture them by staying in touch and meeting up when possible.
- Participate in stress management and relaxation activities. Yoga, meditation, and tai chi are great examples of activities that are proven to reduce stress. Another option you can do is spend a few minutes each day expressing gratitude and reflecting on a positive experience.
Services and products aren’t what make an organization successful – it’s the team members behind them. It’s imperative to have leaders that advocate for and support the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. Visit NAMI to learn more about mental health.
