Navigating the Landscape of Workplace Mental Health as a Leader

Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is "the state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community." Issues with mental health impact the lives of 1 in 4 individuals every year, affecting various aspects of their well-being. Recognizing the profound effects is crucial for workplaces, as it enables them to prioritize the care of their employees, fostering a harmonious and supportive working atmosphere. The toll on poor mental health is evident in businesses and acknowledging the pivotal role workplaces can play in mental health and wellbeing underlines the importance of creating supportive workplace settings.

What Can Leaders Do?

Understanding and prioritizing mental health and well-being is an essential responsibility for leaders seeking to foster a supportive and productive work environment. There are many ways in which leaders can achieve this.

Check-Ins

Effectively supporting staff requires a proactive approach, and one valuable method is to establish regular check-ins with employees. These check-ins serve as a dedicated space for professionals to share their thoughts on their well-being, discuss any challenges they may be facing, and seek assistance when needed. This open channel of communication provides a platform for employees to express concerns related to workload-induced burnout or personal and family issues that may be impacting their focus and performance.

Work-Life Balance

Encouraging a work-life balance is crucial to ensure employees enjoy their time both in and out of work. This balance can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction, ultimately boosting productivity and encouraging creativity. Leaders can achieve this by effectively managing their teams' workloads, delegating tasks, and creating an atmosphere of trust where the team feels valued.

Provide Resources

Leaders can consider implementing comprehensive well-being programs within the workplace. These programs may include mental health resources, workshops, and training sessions to equip both leaders and employees with tools to navigate and manage various aspects of mental health. By creating a supportive culture that values mental well-being, leaders contribute to a more resilient and engaged workforce.

Show Appreciation

Showing appreciation to employees is another way to improve mental health. Recognizing contributions made by employees is vital to encouraging a positive atmosphere and increasing confidence.

To learn more about this, read our blog ‘Sustaining Success: Why Employee Appreciation Matters’ [here](https://www.salford.ac.uk/spd/sustaining-success-why-recognition-matters).

Educate

Training courses are another way to further educate leaders and help them understand mental health. Our CMI 7 course in Strategic Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing is designed to educate senior leaders on the impact of mental health and wellbeing on organizational performance. Following completion, delegates will be able to propose a series of recommendations to create and sustain a positive culture of mental health and wellbeing within an organizational context.

Encouraging a sense of community and collaboration within the workplace can significantly impact mental health in a positive way. Supporting team-building activities, creating an optimistic work environment, and emphasizing the importance of work-life balance all play a role in supporting the mental health of employees. Leaders who prioritize and actively engage in these initiatives not only demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their staff but also pave the way for a more cohesive and motivated team. In this multifaceted approach, leaders can truly create an environment that not only recognizes but actively promotes mental health and well-being among their workforces.