Work Place & Mental Wellness Part 1

Every One Plays a Role!

Mentally healthy workplaces work better for everyone—employees, managers, business

owners, and organizational leaders alike. They provide positive places where everyone

feels supported and able to do their best work.

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As a business owner, you may feel you lack the expertise or resources to create a

mentally healthy working environment or support employees with a mental health

condition. However, there are a number of simple, practical actions you can take to

promote positive mental health in your workplace.

Heading #1: Know the Facts

Heading #2: Create a Plan

Heading #3: Common Signs of Declining Health

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Heading #1: Know the Facts

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and behave. Just as our physical health

fluctuates, so too, does our mental health as goes through ups and downs.

Among the most common mental health problems are anxiety and depression, which

can be brought on for many reasons, including work-related issues.

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder,

or schizophrenia, can all affect our ability to engage and perform at work at a

consistently high level.

Research studies provide strong evidence that companies with high levels of mental

health awareness are more successful. For example, according to research by the

University of Warwick, addressing wellbeing at work increases productivity by up to

12%. Additionally, a government report concluded that businesses that spend money on

mental health interventions receive exponential returns on their investment.

Read more about the research findings at https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/new_study_shows/ and https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/658145/thriving-at-work-

stevenson-farmer-review.pdf

Heading #2: Create a Plan

Approach your plan of action for creating a mentally healthy workplace as you would

any issue that arises within your business. This includes understanding the problem,

creating a realistic plan, ensuring adequate resources, and reviewing the program to

consider its outcomes.

Everyone has a role in looking after their own mental health and creating a mentally

healthy workplace. An action plan provides the framework from which this can happen

and ensures that any investment you make—time, money, or other resources—will be

cost-effective.

Heading #3: Common Signs of Declining Mental Health

Colleagues and managers need to be aware of the common signs of declining mental

health. Some symptoms are often misinterpreted, such as decreased performance or

increased errors, which can lead to discipline.

Some common signs that can surface in colleagues or employees who are struggling

with their mental health include:

- Making more mistakes than usual or having trouble with decision-making and

concentration

- Increased irritability and sensitivity to criticism

- Increased absences

- Physical symptoms, such as being constantly tired or suffering from a cold that won’t

go away

- Taking less care with their appearance or showing signs of drinking alcohol to help

them switch off in the evenings

If a colleague or subordinate exhibits any of the above signs out of the ordinary, they

may be experiencing poor mental health. When paired with a persistent depressed

mood, decreased energy and focus, or being more emotional—these behaviors may

indicate the need for accommodation.

Does your company have a policy on disability leave?

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Services Available:

Wellness Programs: Reboot Your Brain, Stomping Out Your ANTs, Brain Thrive by 25

BrainFit for Work and Life

The above list of program are available online or live. Stomping Out Your ANT is a big hit with companies and organization to introduce the topic of Mental Wellness.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding