Article # 2 – Making Mental Health a Business Priority
By: Dionne Gregory
The global pandemic, which is currently transforming the world we know, has had a profound effect on our mental health. There is a wealth of information, including data from clinical studies and social media, that demonstrates how difficult it is for people to maintain their safety while working. For many people, anxiety is a way of life that causes extreme stress, exhaustion, and depression. Concerns include, among other things, the shame of putting families at risk and the possibility of job losses or greater working hours.
Employers can intervene in this situation. "Making sure that employees have access to well-being and mental health support can help improve relationships, boost productivity, loyalty, and retention," said Dr. Megha Gore, a clinical psychologist for the World Health Organization and a member of the WBG’s Mental Health Strategy team. She was speaking at a learning session on the impacts of inequality on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For a society to be healthy as well as for businesses and economies to expand, good mental health is essential. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that sadness and anxiety cost the world economy over $1 trillion annually even before the pandemic.
According to an IFC study on the gendered effects of COVID-19 on employment in Sri Lanka's private sector, about one-fourth of Sri Lankan men and women reported being distracted at work because of problems with their physical or mental health or because of stress. The study also showed that women were more likely than males to describe having to take care of the home or other people as having an influence on their productivity. Additionally, women in senior positions were twice as likely to work longer hours than men.
In this context, while most Sri Lankan employers are aware that COVID-19 has impacted the mental health and well-being of employees, they are not sure how to support them.
Laying the foundation for mental wellness at work
- Businesses should prioritize mental health using a gender, sector, and generational lens. This is crucial because everyone has different demands when it comes to mental health.
- Companies must raise awareness to help combat the stigma frequently attached to mental health, which is why it's crucial for leaders to express their commitment to tackling mental health concerns at work and to follow through on that promise. Companies should ensure that employees who ask for assistance will receive it in a discreet manner and that doing so won't harm their performance or future employment opportunities. This may inspire employees to request assistance.
- What is measured, is accomplished. Even though changing behavior takes time, businesses should set goals, track their progress, and celebrate each victory, no matter how little. It's important to comprehend how staff members feel about the support resources provided and what effect such resources have on workers. To get a feel for this, you could conduct casual check-ins, focus groups, or employee surveys.
- Organizations must foster leadership commitment and trust. an open-door policy for staff and management check-ins. Because of this, leaders need to establish a foundation of trust with their teams. A excellent method to gain that trust is by looking out for the overall wellbeing of the workers.
Conclusion
The state of one's mind has severe effects on productivity
within an organization as well as on the individual. With the COVID-19 pandemic
still going strong, it is more important than ever to put employee health and
wellbeing first. Holistic well-being cannot be attained overnight, but when
organizations prioritize mental health as a strategic organizational goal, they
may catalyze change and build resilient workforces and good work
environments.
References
World Health Organization (n.d.). “10 Facts on Mental
Health.” Available at http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/mental_health_facts/en/;
De Silva, M. and J. Roland, on behalf of the Global Health and Mental Health
All-Party Parliamentary Groups (2014). Mental health for sustainable
development. London, UK.
BasicNeeds. (2009). Financing mental health care in Sri Lanka.
Carpenter, J. (1988). The history of mental health care in Sri Lanka. Colombo: Marga Publications.
Christine Ipsen, Maria Karanika-Murray & Giulia Nardelli (2020) Addressing mental health and organisational performance in tandem: A challenge and an opportunity for bringing together what belongs together, Work & Stress, 34:1, 1-4, DOI: 10.1080/02678373.2020.1719555
The blog titled "Making Mental Health a Business Priority" is an insightful and thought-provoking piece that truly underscores the urgency of addressing mental health in the corporate world. The author's expertise on the subject is evident through the well-researched content and the way they highlight the importance of integrating mental health initiatives into business strategies. It's evident that the author's commitment to promoting healthier work environments and fostering employee well-being shines through in every paragraph. Kudos to the author for shedding light on such a crucial topic and emphasizing the need for businesses to prioritize the mental health of their employees. This blog serves as a wake-up call for both employers and employees alike, urging us all to collectively create more supportive and empathetic workplaces.
ReplyDeleteThank you Malik for your valuable input. Highly agree! Successfully navigating the nuances of mental health within an organization may be challenging, but it is well worth the time and effort to implement and execute initiatives that not only embrace good mental health but empowers employees to put self-care first.
DeleteGood Read. Elevating mental health to a prominent position within business operations is imperative. Recognizing the far-reaching impact of mental well-being on employee performance and organizational outcomes, prioritizing mental health has become a critical business strategy. This approach involves implementing supportive policies, fostering a stigma-free environment, and offering resources for mental health support and education. By placing mental health at the forefront, businesses can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a healthier and more engaged workforce, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and successful organization.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hisshanthi for sharing your views. It is certainly important that employers place mental health at the forefront and by doing so businesses can increase productivity, lower absenteeism, and promote a healthier, more engaged staff, all of which will help them become more successfully sustainable.
DeleteYou've touched on a critical aspect of promoting mental health in the workplace. Leadership's active commitment to addressing mental health concerns and creating a supportive environment can indeed have a profound impact. When employees know that seeking help won't jeopardize their performance or career prospects, it encourages openness and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health. Establishing this level of trust and support is essential for fostering a culture that values the well-being of its employees.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nipuni. I agree! Leaders who actively commit to addressing mental health concerns not only improve the well-being of their employees but also set a positive example for other organizations. It's a ripple effect that can lead to more compassionate workplaces across industries.
DeleteGreat Topic to discuss and I agree with the facts that you have given in the article. Integrating techniques that foster a supportive and mentally resilient workforce is a key component of elevating mental health as a corporate priority in the field of human resource management (HRM). According to "Deloitte " research, increased productivity and decreased absenteeism can result in returns of up to $5 for every dollar invested in mental health initiatives. The American Psychological Association recommends including mental health programs and resources within HRM because it promotes an open culture, lowers stigma, and gives staff members tools to manage stress and maintain their mental health. Organizations can build a workplace climate that prioritizes employees' mental health and yields long-term advantages in terms of employee engagement, retention, and productivity by complying to the principles of the World Health Organization's Workplace Mental Health Promotion.
ReplyDeleteThank you Niru for your inputs. Mental resilience techniques benefit not only employees but also the organization as a whole. A resilient workforce is more adaptable in the face of change, more innovative in problem-solving, and better at maintaining work-life balance. It's an investment that pays off in numerous ways
DeleteHi Dionne, a well-written article highlighting the critical importance of prioritizing mental health in the business world, especially during these challenging times. The insights into the impact of the pandemic on mental health, both from clinical studies and personal experiences, underscore the urgency of intervention. The concept of viewing mental health through various lenses, such as gender, sector, and generation, is intriguing. The suggestions for raising awareness, fostering trust, and ensuring consistent access to mental health services provide a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue. One question that arises is: How can businesses effectively measure the success of their efforts to improve mental health support?
ReplyDeleteThank you Anuradha. The stigma around mental health is slowly fading, and businesses must keep pace with this societal shift. By prioritizing mental health, organizations demonstrate that they care about their employees' holistic well-being. This leads to a happier, healthier, and more committed workforce.
DeleteA great topic that is always up for discussion.
ReplyDeleteMental health is an important part of overall health and wellness. It is important for both those employed and those employed to take mental health seriously. If employees are not mentally healthy, it can have a negative impact on their performance at work, their productivity, and their overall sense of well-being.
In your opinion, does the use of digital innovations have a role to play in the early detection of mental health problems?
Thank you Niro. Yes, I completely agree with the significance of incorporating advancements to identify health issues at an early stage. In this era, where we are constantly connected through technology it is only logical to utilize these tools to improve our well being.
DeleteDigital platforms and apps offer a level of convenience and accessibility that was unimaginable a few years ago. They provide a safe and discreet space for individuals to explore their mental health and seek guidance. The early warning systems powered by advanced algorithms are particularly impressive. They can analyze vast amounts of data to identify potential signs of mental distress, often before the individual even recognizes it themselves.
Wearable technology is another exciting avenue. Our devices can now monitor our physical health and, increasingly, our mental health too. This real-time data can provide valuable insights into our overall well-being and help us detect early warning signs that we might have otherwise overlooked.
However, it's important to remember that while digital innovations are incredibly promising, they should complement rather than replace human interaction in mental health care.
ReplyDeleteThe blog post effectively addresses the pandemic's impact on mental health and suggests ways employers can support their staff. It cites credible sources and emphasizes the economic and personal costs of mental health challenges. The proposed strategies, like combatting stigma and ensuring access to services, are practical. However, discussing potential implementation challenges and sharing success stories would enhance the post's depth.
Thank you Harendra. We often talk about the importance of physical health, but mental health should be given equal consideration. In fact, mental health can have a direct impact on physical health and overall productivity. By prioritizing mental health in the business world, we create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all.
DeleteWell said Wameesha. I believe that leaders should understand that mental wellness isn't just about employee well-being; it's also a smart business move. Healthy, happy employees are more engaged, productive, and loyal. Leadership's commitment to mental wellness can lead to improved financial outcomes for the organization
ReplyDelete