Good mental health at work is essential for employees and employers alike. Employees who are struggling with their mental health may have difficulty concentrating, be less productive, and even take more time off work. This can lead to decreased morale among coworkers, and can ultimately impact a company’s bottom line.
It’s no secret that our mental health can take a hit when we’re juggling the demands of work and life. And while it’s normal to feel stressed out or down from time to time, when these symptoms start to interfere with our ability to perform at work or enjoy our personal lives, it might be time to seek professional help.
Mental health should be taken seriously in the workplace. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. With the right support, you can get through this tough time.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues, there are a few things you can do to get through the tough times:
1. Talk to your boss or HR department.
Feeling overwhelmed at work? The first person you should talk to is your line manager. They can help you figure out a plan to get your work done, or may be able to give you some time off if needed. HR Wellbeing is also a great resource if you’re not sure where to turn.
If you’re not comfortable talking to your line manager, or if they’re not receptive, you can also reach out to your HR department. They can help connect you with employee assistance programs or mental health resources. Resources like these can be incredibly helpful, and may even be covered by your health insurance.
Koa Health has created an online platform that offers mental health support in the workplace.
2. Take a break.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking a few minutes to yourself can help you regroup and refocus. Step away from your desk for a few minutes, do a quick meditation or journalling activity on your phone, take a walk outside, or just take some deep breaths. This can help clear your head and reduce stress levels. Talk to your boss and see if there are any flexible working arrangements that could work for you, such as working from home a few days a week or coming in later/leaving earlier. If there is a particular problem at work such as unrealistic deadlines, see if there’s a way to negotiate these.
3. Talk to a colleague or friend
If you’re feeling down. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. Sometimes just venting can make us feel better. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone at work, see if there’s a friend or family member you can confide in.
4. Seek professional help.
If you’re struggling to cope with your mental health at work issues, seeing a therapist or counsellor can be extremely helpful. They can provide you with tools and strategies to deal with your symptoms, and can help you get to the root of your problem. If you’re in the UK you can access free therapy through the NHS, and there are also a number of charities that offer free or low-cost counselling.
Mental health should always be dealt with quickly and properly, and companies need to recognise employees’ health and wellbeing.
5. Make time for yourself outside of work.
It’s important to have hobbies and interests outside of work, so you have something to look forward to when the workday is over. Whether it’s taking a yoga class, going for a run, or reading your favourite book, make sure you’re making time for yourself.
6. Stay connected with your support system.
It’s important to stay connected with your family and friends, even when you’re busy with work. They can provide you with emotional support and understanding, and can be a great sounding board when you’re feeling overwhelmed. There are also a number of online support groups available if you’re struggling to connect with people in your life.
How can you create a culture that supports staff being open about their mental health?
Creating a culture where staff feel comfortable talking about their mental health is important for a number of reasons:
1. It can help to identify problems early on.
If staff feel like they can talk openly about their mental health, it can help managers identify problems early on. This means managers can offer the help and support employees need before things get worse.
2. It can make people feel more comfortable seeking help.
If people feel like they can talk openly about mental health at work without judgement, they’re more likely to seek help when they need it. This can prevent mental health problems from getting worse and potentially lead to less time off work.
3. It can help reduce stress levels.
If people feel like they can talk about their mental health at work, it can help reduce stress levels. This is because they won’t have to bottle things up, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
4. It can create a more supportive environment.
Creating a culture where people feel comfortable talking about mental health can help create a more supportive environment. This means that people will be more likely to offer help and support to each other, which can make a big difference when someone is struggling.
Workplace Adjustments for Mental Health
If you’re struggling with your mental health, there are a number of workplace adjustments that can be made to help you cope. These might include:
- Flexible working hours
- Allowing work from home
- Increased breaks
- Reduced workload
- Access to counselling and support services
It’s important to speak to your employer about your needs, so they can help you make the necessary arrangements and facilitate access to counselling and support services for you when you need them.
Koa Health
If your team is struggling with mental health, Koa Health can help. A leading global provider of workplace mental health solutions, Koa Health leverages deep clinical expertise, research, and technology to deliver practical, personalised and accessible evidence-based support that meets people where they are.
From organisational support to personalised mental health care for your employees, including wellbeing and specialist services, Koa Health has you covered.
To find out more about Koa Health’s top-ranked mobile-first solutions, shown to have a positive impact on stress, resilience, sleep and overall life satisfaction, contact Koa Health today.
Conclusion
Mental health is an important issue for employees and employers alike. If you’re struggling with your mental health at work, don’t hesitate to seek help from your boss, HR department, or mental health professional. And remember, making time for yourself throughout your working day and in your free time is essential for maintaining your mental health.
