A company is not truly an organisation without its people, and it cannot achieve lasting success if its employees are not well. In today’s fast-paced world, the mental health of individuals has become a critical concern. As the demands of modern life increase, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and burnout are becoming more prevalent. These issues are just the surface manifestations of deeper psychological struggles that may go unaddressed.
It is the responsibility of every company and its leadership to prioritise the well-being of their employees if they aim to maintain a healthy, successful organisation. Often, individuals suppress issues that need attention, and if these concerns are not promptly addressed, they can lead to significant mental health breakdowns. While personal responsibility plays a role in maintaining mental health, it is crucial for leadership to implement proactive systems that can quickly identify potential mental health challenges within their teams.
Employer's Responsibilities for Addressing Mental Health at Work
Organisations are made up of people, and a company without people cannot truly be considered an organisation. To ensure the company remains healthy and operates smoothly, leadership must prioritise the well-being of its most important asset: people. As mentioned earlier, true leaders are those who lead by example, guiding employees in the right direction, and recognising that their well-being is just as important as that of the leadership itself. If one part of the organisation is not functioning as it should, there is a significant risk that the entire organisation’s efficiency will gradually decline. Therefore, it is the employer’s responsibility to establish systems that can identify mental health challenges within their employees, whether through educational programs, professional support, or other forms of assistance.
Recognising Early Signs of Mental Health Challenges in Employees
The key to preventing mental health issues within an organisation is the ability to recognise the early signs that may indicate potential challenges among employees. As previously mentioned, these issues are not limited to surface-level conditions such as depression, anxiety, and burnout; employees may also experience milder issues such as negative thought patterns, low self-worth, and diminished self-esteem. It is crucial to address these early signs of potential complications before they develop into more significant mental health problems.
Some of those signs include:
Consistent decline in work quality and productivity
Increased absenteeism or frequent lateness
Sudden withdrawal from social interaction
Irritability, frustration, or panic attacks
Neglecting physical appearance or personal hygiene
Frequent physical complaints
Extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Avoidance of responsibility or new tasks
Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
Expressions of hopelessness or self-deprecation
Key Factors in Building a Supportive Work Environment
Socialising and communication are among the most fundamental human needs for living a fulfilling life. Incorporating frequent teamwork projects encourages individuals to meet these needs, fostering both social interaction and effective communication. Without clear communication and a trusted group of colleagues, it becomes difficult for individuals to maintain their mental well-being. These two factors are crucial—perhaps the most important—for maintaining a healthy organisation and addressing mental health concerns properly.
The Role of Education in Mental Health Awareness
We believe that a significant portion of the problem can be addressed simply by helping individuals recognise and understand what they are dealing with, whether through professional support or from any other responsible party involved in meeting employees’ needs. It is essential for the individual to be informed about their situation so that they can begin to understand what they are facing. However, we must be mindful of the potential anxiety levels of the individual, as some may react with panic upon realising they are experiencing a specific condition. Such reactions can induce fear or anxiety, so it is crucial that this information is communicated in a sensitive and supportive manner to avoid exacerbating the situation.
Education plays a vital role, especially for those who may prefer to address their challenges independently or are not yet ready to discuss their concerns with someone else. While we encourage individuals to seek support, we recognise that some may feel hesitant to do so. To aid in this, we provide educational materials covering a wide range of mental health conditions, including how to recognise and manage potential depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and issues related to low self-worth or similar. These resources are designed to help individuals understand the challenges they may be facing and empower them to take the first steps toward addressing their mental health.
Integrating The WellMind Mental Health Program
Our program, WellMind, is an initiative of the Fartelj Foundation, focused on raising mental health awareness and, more importantly, providing essential mental health education. We offer tailored programs for corporations and other organisations, enabling them to integrate mental health support into their operations as part of their corporate responsibility. The educational materials are completely free of charge and can be accessed through our online platform.
Assessing and Evolving Mental Health Initiatives
Times change, and so do the circumstances. The world is constantly evolving, and the challenges we face evolve alongside it. With new and unique issues arising daily, it is crucial to replace outdated strategies for coping with mental health problems with modern, research-based approaches.
Long-Term Benefits of a Supportive Workplace
The long-term benefits of a supportive workplace extend beyond just a successful business. They also enable individuals to focus on their well-being, even outside of the work environment. This means the knowledge and practices they gain at work can positively impact their personal lives, improving their overall environment and, in turn, benefiting those around them.
Corporations, institutions, and other organisations play a vital role in promoting well-being among people. We urge all organisations to take immediate action by implementing any form of program that contributes to a healthy organisational culture.
Disclaimer: This article is a part of the project WellMind, and it is not a professional mental health service. It serves solely as a resource for individuals seeking immediate relief and does not offer clinically endorsed advice or operate under professional supervision