TODAY I would like to spread awareness on the importance of good mental health within any work environment.

I received an email from an employee of a large and successful business in Guyana. He claimed that not only does he feel unappreciated but is also berated for any little mistake he may make. Considering the size of the company, I can only assume that many others may also feel this way. I’m hoping this piece will act as a starting point for change.

We have the misconception that other people’s problems are not our own, meaning they don’t affect our lives in any way. Well, it does and I’m happy to spread it because I think a clear understanding of this can promote kindness, empathy and unity.
When some employees call in sick, turn up late or basically make any mistake, they are negatively penalised or publicly berated. Yet, many are not asked why or what’s going on with them. I know many of you are now thinking that negative consequences for those are necessary. You may even be thinking that I do not know what it takes to run a business and you’re absolutely right, I don’t.

However, what I do know is people and in what environment they best function. Read this without the attitude that may only seem to come with it – if you do not care for your employees’ even better than you do your customers, you have no idea how to run a successful business. Like the common saying “happy wife, happy life”, I like to say “happy employees, happy customers”.
Many customers can almost immediately tell when an employee has had a bad day as they tend to take it out on customers. Then, customers complain about the employees and they are berated all over again. It’s a cycle that clearly hasn’t been working so why not try something new.
It has already been globally documented that workers are more likely to call in sick for mental health reasons than physical ones. Workers are also, more likely to resign due to mental health issues.

Globally, one in four people has a mental health illness. One in four! Which of course also applies to your staff. Addressing this isn’t just an employer’s moral responsibility but also a business one as well.
There is no way around this, mental health issues of any employee- no matter their status- directly affects a business. Mental health issues affect mood, self-esteem, self-confidence and therefore, productivity and efficiency.
The issue with mental health illness is its ability to hide. Many employers and co-workers are not even aware of what is happening in the lives around them. However, this may be because no safe space of sharing is felt. Stigma and bullying, and both, are still very prevalent in the workplace, sadly probably even more so than in schools.

Research shows that unmanaged mental health issues can lead to many additional workplace issues such as accidents, disability, violence, harassment and substance abuse.
So what can businesses change?

Initiatives to maintain or improve good mental health can be implemented.
The first and most important thing is to acknowledge that there is mental illness within your walls. Send out memos or hold sessions with a professional that let employees know that their mental health is a priority.
Many companies have hired me to do this and there are others who can do the same. This aids in opening lines of communication, reducing stigma and creating a positive and comfortable environment.

If it is not possible to hire a psychologist or social worker, have a current line manager of some sort go through some training. There are many online courses that provide leaders with the ability to effectively handle many workplace issues, where high levels of stress may arise. Choose one or two of the right people for this job- people who you know can be trusted and non-judgemental, would practise confidentiality and show nothing but understanding and empathy.

There should be at least one person in a work environment who is educated in the signs and symptoms of stress, common mental health illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Form an alliance with any mental health professional body. This way, if you identify an employee who is struggling, there is already someone who they can be referred to and not at their expense. Arrange employee discount benefits with some other health locations.

This is not limited to hospitals but can expand to gyms and healthy restaurants, as we already know that eating well and exercising positively affects our mental health. If your company has a canteen, stock it with healthy food. Is there a small library at your workspace? If not, there should be. Every company should have a workspace with some self-help books to tackle stress or any mental illness.

There should also be educational materials such as information sheets/ pamphlets on mental health illnesses as well as directories of local mental health and medical providers in our community.

I understand that unacceptable behaviour and poor performance must be addressed and disciplined where necessary, but it is also important to remember that fear prevents the open communication required to tackle these issues.

Ongoing issues with mental health in the workplace isn’t always the companies fault, as employees don’t often reach out for help because of the worry of judgement, stigma or job security. It is important to remember that someone who is seeking treatment for mental health issues is not necessarily unfit for their job. Implementing the above will result in more focused, productive, resilient and progressive employees and who wouldn’t want that?

Yes, these may come at a price but please, believe me, doing nothing costs more.
Not sure where to start? Hand out anonymous staff surveys to see where your employees think you’re lacking in the care department.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com
Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!