With 64.8% of the world population being at working age,1 it is important to recognize the connection between mental health and work, and how we can provide a healthy and safe working environment for all. In this year’s Mental Health Month campaign, “Mental Health at Work,” highlights the benefits of a psychologically safe workplace even more.
Why is this important in the workplace?
Addressing this concern does not only enhance employee well-being but also helps the company to foster a positive working environment. Here are three reasons why placing importance on their employees’ mental health help:
- Psychological Safety
- Psychological safety plays a vital role in workplace ergonomics, and companies can benefit greatly from mental health programs. Research shows that companies focusing more on productivity than employee well-being lose over $6 billion annually, as approximately 43% of employees tend to take sick leave or be absent. In contrast, organizations that successfully foster psychological safety see an average annual income increase of $4.3 million and a reduction in turnover of over 27%. A psychologically safe workplace can enhance productivity by 50% without exerting pressure from management.2
- Better Workplace Dynamics
- A healthy workplace leads to good morale and high motivation. In any organization, the workforce is its biggest asset. A mentally healthy workplace will develop high morale among employees, which will produce an organizational climate that is a happy and friendly place to work, with high productivity and efficiency levels.3 4 Generally, this increases productivity and quality of work, lowers absenteeism, and promotes work-life balance.
- Effective Working Relationships
- In turn, effective working relationships from a positive and psychologically safe working environment make employees more engaged, which exhibits better communication and encourages more comfort and support for their workmates.5
How to Care for Your People’s Mental Health?
- Create Mental Health Policies
- Reevaluate the existing mental health policy within your organization. If none, develop clear workplace guidelines that involve psychological health and safety. Furthermore, since the R.A. 11036 has been approved, the company must comply with the DOLE Guidelines. As the state commits to promoting the well-being of people by ensuring that mental health is valued, organizations should work hand-in-hand with the state, achieving its primary goals under the said Act.5
- Create a Positive Working Environment
- A positive working environment fosters open communication, strong work ethics, positive thinking when dealing with challenges, and empathy among coworkers.6 Ensure that the employees are encouraged to collaborate and openly communicate around the workspace. Furthermore, the management could empower employees toward their career growth and personal goals through management check-in meetings and various learning sessions.
- Accessible Mental Health Services
- Recognizing the importance of psychological safety in the workplace includes responding to mental health conditions. Investing in accessible mental health services for employees such as preventive therapy sessions, psychometric reports, employee mental health checks, and high-risk prevention programs, will ensure the company’s support towards their people, which enables them to thrive in work.7
Creating a healthy psychological environment not only benefits the employees but the organization as well. Interested to know more?
Join us this October 27, 2024, at the QCX Event Center in Quezon City for Mind You’s National Mental Health Summit, themed “Workplace Culture.”
We hope to see you there!
If you or someone you know needs support, Mind You is here to help. Download the Mind You app or contact us today to connect with licensed therapists and access a wealth of mental health resources.
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References:
- Working age population. (2024). OECD. https://www.oecd.org/en/data/indicators/working-age-population.html?oecdcontrol-f75fe24c3f-var3=2022&oecdcontrol-f75fe24c3f-var4=2023/
- Ecsell Institute. (2022, January 27). New Data Highlights Value of Psychological Safety in the Workplace. Prnewswire.com. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-data-highlights-value-of-psychological-safety-in-the-workplace-301469119.html
- Srivastava K. (2009). Mental health and industry: Dynamics and perspectives. Ind Psychiatry J., 18(1), 1-2. doi: 10.4103/0972-6748.57850.
- Zhenjing G., Chupradit S., Ku K.Y., Nassani, A.A., & Haffar M. (2022, May 13). Impact of Employees’ Workplace Environment on Employees’ Performance: A Multi-Mediation Model. Front Public Health, 10. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.890400.
- Allas, T., & Schaninger, B. (2020, September 22). The boss factor: Making the world a better place through workplace relationships. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-boss-factor-making-the-world-a-better-place-through-workplace-relationships/
- The LawPhil Project. (2018, June 20). Republic Act No. 11036. Lawphil.net. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2018/ra_11036_2018.html/
- He, G. (2022, October 9). How To Create A Positive Work Environment: 13 Ideas. Teambuilding.com. https://teambuilding.com/blog/positive-work-environment/
- World Health Organization. (2022, September 28). Mental health at work: policy brief. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944/