From self-care techniques to leadership practices, this article aims to equip business owners with insights to enhance their team’s health and their company’s productivity at the same time.
Why It Matters
The way an employee feels not only affects the individuals themselves but also impacts the operational efficiency of the businesses they contribute to. The mental well-being of a workforce is intrinsically linked with overall productivity, employee engagement, and the long-term prosperity of organisations.
The Link Between Mental Health and Productivity
Work-related mental health conditions take a substantial toll on businesses, with AUD $543 million per year paid in workers’ compensation in Australia alone. Furthermore, employees grappling with mental health issues may experience drops in concentration, decision-making abilities, and overall work performance.
Invest in Success
Investing in mental health is not just good ethical practice—it makes sound business sense. Organisations that prioritise the behavioural health and mental hygiene of their workforce reap long-term benefits, including higher levels of job satisfaction, stronger loyalty, and improved company reputation. Studies have shown that for every dollar put into scaled-up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.
Personal Mental Well-Being
Zachary Rischitelli, Founder and Managing Director of FiG Advertising + Marketing, says: “As a leader to your employees, it’s only logical that your own mental health deserves special attention. Through self-reflection and analysis, you can change your mindset for the better, improving your own productivity as well as giving you common ground with your employees.”
Prioritise Self-Care
Set clear distinctions between work hours and personal time to avoid burnout. Adhere to these limits and encourage your team to do the same. It can seem out of the question to take time off to address mental health concerns but remember—when you feel better, you can work harder.
Develop Healthy Habits
- Schedule 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrients.
- Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
- Break the work into 90-minute focus sessions and include 10-15-minute breaks to rejuvenate.
- Define work hours stick to them, and communicate and advocate for your boundaries and availability to the team.
Create a Supportive Work Environment
- Foster Open Communication: Develop a culture where team members feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins and anonymous feedback channels can be effective.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Emphasise the importance of downtime and encourage employees to disconnect after work hours, helping reduce the risk of stress and burnout.
- Educate Your Team: Provide training on mental health awareness. Understanding the signs of mental distress can lead to earlier intervention and support.
- Encourage Physical Activity: Physical health is closely linked to mental health. Offer initiatives such as subsidised gym memberships or organising team exercises to promote an active lifestyle.
Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
- Healthcare Benefits: Develop a health plan that covers mental health care, including therapy and medication if needed. This may not be feasible for all businesses but is worth considering for the benefits to employee satisfaction and retention.
- Online Resources and Tools: Share links to reputable mental health resources, apps, and hotlines that offer self-help or professional guidance. Keeping these resources accessible will create a more supportive environment.
- Training Programs: Offer workshops or bring in mental health professionals to discuss coping mechanisms and stress management techniques. This can be especially valuable for businesses in high-stress fields.
How to Encourage Open Communication and Inclusivity
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule consistent meetings where team members can discuss and solve workplace issues openly.
- Feedback Culture: Encourage and act on feedback, showing that every opinion is valued and considered. Even the smallest changes can boost workplace confidence.
- Training Programs: Offer training that focuses on communication skills and workplace inclusivity. Most major corporations include communication strategies in their new employee training.
- Inclusive Policies: Develop and enforce policies that promote inclusivity and discourage discrimination. Alienation can lead to a wealth of other issues in your team.
- Recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of all employees, regardless of their role or background. When employees only interact with authority figures in negative or punitive contexts, it can diminish trust.
Leadership’s Role in Promoting Mental Well-Being
Create a Supportive Environment
- Be approachable and demonstrate understanding towards mental health issues.
- Invest in appropriate training to recognise signs of mental stress.
Influence through Policy and Culture
- Implement mental health days off and encourage their use.
- Set standards that discourage excessive overtime and promote work-life balance.
Demonstrate Openness and Vulnerability
- Share appropriate personal experiences with mental health challenges.
- Encourage team members to speak up without fear of judgment.
Training Managers to Recognise and Address Stress
Define stress and its impact on the workforce to your management team. Teach managers and supervisors to identify signs of stress in employees such as decreased productivity, fatigue, and irritability. Provide resources on mental health care including contact information for mental health professionals and encourage open communication between managers and team members to foster a supportive company culture.
How to Adjust Strategies Based on Feedback
Collect input from various sources: customers, team members, and stakeholders. Use surveys, interviews, and suggestion boxes for comprehensive data. Carefully review all comments for common patterns or themes. Prioritise certain feedback based on its potential impact and feasibility. Map out a plan to implement the most crucial changes and be sure to adjust in stages rather than all at once.
Always clearly convey changes to your team and offer explanations to promote understanding and support. Once a change is implemented, be ready to make further adjustments based on the results. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
By regularly adapting and rethinking your strategies for promoting mental well-being in the office and at home, you can not only promote your employees’ health but also build a better business. Remember, the whole is only as good as its parts, and the health of your employees is the health of your company.
