Mental Health in Work Space.

 Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th. The objective of this day is to spread awareness about mental health and to strengthen the efforts for improving mental health. Every year there is a theme that is followed for that particular year. Few of the themes in the past few years are Mental health is a universal right, making mental health a priority etc. This year’s theme is “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” This year’s theme highlights the importance of a mentally healthy environment which helps in improving the morale at the work place as well as make it a safe space for individuals. 

It is important to discuss how to develop healthy spaces for individuals and the responsibility of this falls on both the employer and employee in order to ensure that a healthy environment for work is established. Here are a few things that can ensure healthy environments at the workplace. 

1. Training staff about mental health 

It is important that they are workshops, talks and discussions conducted in order to train individuals about mental health. This work talks should discuss various aspects of mental health. They should encourage individuals to have conversations about their mental health and on ways that they can take care of themselves, and others. These trainings should be conducted by trained professionals and they should be in a way that they can help to actually cause a difference rather than being forced upon the staff. 

2. Build environments where open conversations are fostered. 

Building healthy environments is key to helping individuals have open conversations about mental health. It helps people be honest to one another. It is important for an organisation to understand that at the end of the day, people are the ones running the organization. This becomes important for an employer to keep in mind as it helps them to be more patient and open about being there for their employees. Oftentimes employees are not looked at as people due to which there can be harsh treatment or unrealistic expectations placed on individuals. Looking at people as people rather than as an asset to the organisation helps the employer as well as the employee. 

3. Anti Bullying and Anti Discrimination Campaigns 

It is not enough to have workshops or training about mental health but it is equally important to run anti bullying and anti discrimination. It helps individuals that are facing discrimination or bullying to open up about their issues as well develop a strict non-tolerance policy towards individuals that do engage in such behaviours. Along with these campaigns stronger actions needs to be taken against individuals that do display such behaviours. 

4. Encourage people to seek help

Directing individuals to appropriate help is quite important. Organisations could help individuals to provide help by hiring well qualified therapists, having health insurance plans that also cover mental health programmes as well as having collaborations with well trusted mental health institutions to help individuals seek help. 

These are the few important measures that an organization can take in order to ensure a healthy and safe environment for their employers and employees. It helps to develop an environment which is inclusive of individuals of various backgrounds and ensures safety of people.