Mental Health in the Workplace : Creating a Healthy Workplace
A healthy workplace can be described as one where workers and managers actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety and well-being of all employees.
A recent guide from the World Economic Forum suggests that interventions should take a 3-pronged approach;
1. Protect mental health by reducing work–related risk factors.
2. Promote mental health by developing the positive aspects of work and the strengths of employees.
3. Address mental health problems regardless of cause.
Steps organisations can take to create a healthy workplace;
Awareness of the workplace environment and how it can be adapted to promote better mental health for different employees.
Learning from the motivations of organisational leaders and employees who have taken action.
Not reinventing wheels by being aware of what other companies who have taken action have done.
Understanding the opportunities and needs of individual employees, in helping to develop better policies for workplace mental health.
Awareness of sources of support and where people can find help.
Interventions and good practices that protect and promote mental health in the workplace include:
implementation and enforcement of health and safety policies and practices, and informing staff that support is available;
involving employees in decision-making, conveying a feeling of control and participation; organisational practices that support a healthy work-life balance;
programmes for career development of employees; and
recognizing and rewarding the contribution of employees.
The final part of my blog " Mental Health in the Workplace" will concentrate on Supporting people at work.
