3 Proven Strategies for Nurturing Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace

Supporting mental health at work is more crucial than ever. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, anxiety and depression rates have surged by 26% and 28% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While employers have implemented mental health initiatives, almost 50% of the Australian employees surveyed by the Australian College of Applied Professionals (ACAP) still feel their employers lack genuine concern for their mental well-being.

To create a more mentally healthy workplace and build employee trust, organisations and leaders must offer tangible support. This post provides practical resources, suggestions, and strategies that can be implemented right away.

Strategy 1: Offer a Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit

It's not enough for an employer to simply encourage mental health at work. Companies should also provide concrete help and support. One way to do this is by offering a toolkit with strategies, tips, and supports for employees at every level. Here are some great ones we found online:

• Black Dog Institute Mental Health Tool Kit
• Australian Government Mentally Healthy Workplaces Tool Kit

Strategy 2: Practice Ongoing Communication & Promote Mental Health Days

According to the ACAP's 2021 survey, 53% of Australian workers would hide a mental health condition to avoid discrimination. The only way to break this cycle is to normalize talking about mental health. Managerial training is the first step. When employees feel like they can talk openly about mental health with their direct supervisors, it increases the chance that they will bring up the need for support.

Many employees will be reluctant to talk about mental health issues. Managers and those higher up in the organization must be open about topics like stress, burnout, and anxiety. While it's important not to disclose another person's mental health issues, it can be empowering for managers to discuss their own struggles. Encourage managers to take mental health days and be open about them with staff.

Strategy 3: Outdoor Meeting Spaces

This holistic strategy is a fantastic way to boost your team's mental well-being. Studies show that being surrounded by nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive abilities. By providing a space where your team can meet outside, you're giving them a chance to take a break from the same old office setting and enjoy the outdoors.

Not only does this change of scenery promotes more relaxed and creative discussions, but it can also help with team-building and decision-making. Setting up an outdoor meeting space with comfortable seating, tables, and shade will ensure that your employees can conduct meetings comfortably and productively.

Three Non-Conventional Strategies to Promote Mental Well-Being at Work

• Lunchtime Walking Club
• Designated Meditation Spaces
• Volunteer Programs

Working Toward a Mentally Safer Workplace

Providing a mentally and emotionally safe workplace is one of the best ways to strengthen your team. Employees who feel cared for are more likely to give you their best and less likely to suffer in silence.

If you're not sure what your employees need, ask them. It may take time to convince them that you genuinely care, especially if they've had difficult experiences before. Start with the strategies in this post, making sure to focus on making resources and tools accessible.

Meanwhile, build up your culture of communication. In time, mental health will become a workplace norm, and everyone will benefit.