Employers should focus on mental health to better understand the challenges their staff face. When an employee is productive and meets scheduled requirements, it stimulates the company’s growth, which, in turn, boosts the economy and the financial standing of the company. It’s a mutual benefit – where each party gains from the other, making it crucial for both employees and employers to be aligned on this issue.
Another perspective considers unemployment as a well-recognized risk factor for mental health issues, whereas having a job is deemed protective. However, this is not always the case. A negative work environment can lead to serious psychological issues, which can deeply impact an employee’s productivity and, consequently, the growth and success of an organization.
So, what is mental health? As defined by WHO, mental2 health is “the ability of every individual to recognize and develop his or her potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and make a positive contribution to their community.”
At some point, one in four people will suffer from mental health issues, which significantly affect their well-being. These issues can range from common conditions like anxiety and depression to severe disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Many risks to mental health exist within the workplace. These include inadequate health and safety policies, poor communication and management practices, limited participation in decision-making or control over one’s work, lack of support for employees, inflexible working hours, and unclear tasks or organizational objectives.
Symptoms of mental health issues can vary greatly among individuals, making effective, professional support in the workplace crucial.
There is a correlation between a positive office environment and economic gain. Often, individuals suffering may require support tailored specifically to their needs.
Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being. It influences how you feel, think, and behave in daily life. It also affects how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Maintaining mental health is crucial for personal well-being, relationships, and the ability to lead a fulfilling life.
An emotionally fit and stable person feels energetic and fully alive, capable of managing tough situations. While mental health is a personal matter, and what affects one person might not affect another, mental health issues are typically caused by a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Negative emotions like despair, anger, and fear can impact our overall fitness level. Mental well-being involves recognizing and understanding one’s own feelings and thoughts, which enhances the ability to enjoy life to its fullest.
Implementing and enforcing policies and procedures that identify and manage mental health issues are among the best practices to protect and promote mental well-being at work.
Informing employees that support is always available, involving them in decision-making, providing a sense of control and participation, and implementing management practices that support a healthy work-life balance are tools to create an uplifting, supportive, and empowering work environment. Career development programs for staff and rewarding employees for their contributions build constructive communication bridges. This empowers individuals to make decisions for themselves. It’s a proactive and optimistic approach that dispels negativity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global mental health due to the psychological and emotional stress it caused, leading more companies to invest in workplace mental health resources.
The mind regulates all other organs in the body. If the mind becomes unstable, it affects the functioning of all bodily organs. To succeed in life, one must maintain both physical and mental fitness. Keeping the mind healthy is as important as keeping the body healthy.
Both mental and physical health are interconnected; one cannot be considered healthy without the other. Thus, it’s critical for everyone to balance mental and physical well-being and seek help when lacking strength and courage. In this context, the responsibility in the workplace rests with the employees.
The PR industry changes rapidly, affecting how we organize and disseminate information. This can be particularly stressful for post-graduates unaccustomed to working in such environments. However, stress can be significantly mitigated by adopting five changes to your daily habits at work and at home:
Managing stress in a dynamic industry is a process, but these steps can help make the most of a stress-free work life.
Farah Itani is Account Executive at Cicero & Bernay Communication Consultancy, an independent PR agency headquartered in Dubai offering new-age public relations consultancy to the UAE and across the MENA region. | www.cbpr.me