Mental Health in the Workplace
Paul Farmer, American anthropologist, Epidemiologist, and Public-Health Administrator, had this to say about mental health in the work environment:
“The workplace is often the most stressful place a person finds themselves in, employees and managers need to keep an eye out for signs of deteriorating mental health in fellow colleagues.”
As much as we all want to forget about the pandemic, we cannot ignore the fact that it has changed the way we work, and with it, the mental health of everyday workers. People are still learning to overcome the stress of isolation, the fear of illness, and the overwhelming and often frightening, news cycles.
The American Psychological Association’s 2022 Work and Well-being Survey results show that 71% of employees believe their employer is more concerned about their mental health now, than in the past. Employees highly value this new focus and 81% said that if they look for future job opportunities, they will seek out workplaces that support mental health.
Mental Health Awareness Day
Mental Health Awareness is always an important topic but it is especially relevant now, since October marks Mental Health Awareness Day. A day like this aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to offer helpful information and support to those who are affected by mental illness.
The theme for this year, as announced by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is ‘make mental health for all a global priority”.
Since these days, Managers are expected to take active steps to prioritise their employee’s mental health, we have put together a list of 10 ways they can show care and compassion for their workforce.
- Foster a Culture of Health
Encourage employees to adopt healthy lifestyles and support them in making positive changes. Promote healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and stress management through your workplace policies, programs and services. There’s a gift for every occasion. In the past, we have helped to launch new employee-centric policies with health-focused gifting solutions like yoga mats, gym memberships, fitness trackers and so much more. - Offer Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexible working arrangements can help employees balance their work and personal commitments. Consider offering flexible start and finish times, job sharing, telecommuting or other options that fit the needs of your business. - Provide Employee Assistance Programs
Employee assistance programs provide confidential counselling and support to employees who are experiencing personal or work-related problems. EAPs can help employees resolve issues before they affect their job performance or well-being. - Support Employees Dealing with Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic health conditions can impact an employee’s ability to perform their job and manage their day-to-day activities. Offer support and resources to help them manage their condition and stay productive at work. - Promote Regular Check-ups and Preventive Screenings
Encourage employees to see their healthcare provider regularly for check-ups and preventive screenings. If at all possible, schedule wellness days when nurses come in to check blood pressure or provide flu shots for those who want them. Healthier employees are more productive employees. - Implement Wellness Programs
Wellness programs promote healthy lifestyles and can reduce healthcare costs. Consider offering programs that focus on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, quitting smoking and other health-related topics. Each wellness program could come complete with relevant gifting solutions to accompany the theme. Think nutrition journals, vouchers for sporting apparel, stress balls and so much more. If you need help sourcing or branding specific items, reach out and we will be able to assist. - Offer Employee Discounts on Health and Fitness Products and Services
Discounts on health and fitness products and services can help employees live healthier lifestyles. Consider offering discounts on gym memberships, personal training services, healthy food options and other wellness-related items. The regular arrival of beautiful food baskets can go a long way to keep employees happy, healthy and well fed. This can be in the form of monthly or weekly subscriptions. - Encourage Positive Social Interactions
Positive social interactions can improve an employee’s mood and reduce stress levels. Plan social activities that promote teamwork and allow employees to interact with each other in a positive way. We work with many companies doing branding solutions for their social/team-building events. - Provide Opportunities for Professional Development
Employees who feel like they are growing in their careers are more engaged and productive. Offer opportunities for professional development through educational programs, mentorship programs or cross-training initiatives. Just like the wellness programs, these types of events lend themselves perfectly to themes and theme-related branding solutions. Alternatively, if the development course requires financial investment from the employer, the course itself can be presented beautifully as a gift to the lucky employee along with some personalised stationery. - Recognise Employees’ Achievements
Recognising employees’ achievements can boost morale and motivation. Show your appreciation for a job well done with verbal praise, written commendations or financial incentives. Personalised gifts are one of the best ways to show appreciation and recognition. We are pros at sourcing solutions for even the most difficult requests.
When it comes to employee wellbeing, there are so many ways employers can support their workers. By promoting a healthy workplace culture, offering flexible working arrangements and providing access to wellness programs, employers can help their team stay healthy, happy and productive.
Each one of the options suggested above can be paired with an appropriate branding or gifting solution. If budgets are a concern, we can source affordable or more occasion-specific options.
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for now, leave a note for us in the comments below or contact us directly for more bespoke assistance: info@magentagifts.co.za.
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