In continuation with my previous posts about the rising mental health issues across Europe, I am addressing the larger role organizations can play in focusing on employee mental health.

Several countries in Europe are struggling with unaddressed mental health issues which are unfortunately on the rise each passing year. According to OECD, mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use disorders affect one in six people in Europe each year. Furthermore, this report also indicates that mental illnesses cost over EUR 600 billion or more across EU countries alone.

So why it is essential for organizations to focus on mental health? Going by the above information, we should assume that a fairly large number of people in our workplaces and other organizations are suffering from some kind of mental health issue which results in increased absenteeism, which in fact is costing us dearly. The workplace has been identified as one important social context where an employee approximately spends 90,000 hours in a lifetime, which at some point in time, may lead to stress, anxiety or sleep struggles. Hence, it’s vital that the new age organizations should be addressing this concern from a long term perspective.

We are familiar with organizations like Barclays, Unilever, RBS who have been prioritising on employee mental health programs for their staff globally, which is a highly responsible step. A few Norwegian companies are also initiating similar mental health programs for their employees, which is commendable.

As responsible entrepreneurs and business leaders, we know what an employee’s value is and what he or she brings to our business. While we harp about our organization’s success and reward our employees for their contribution during annual appraisals, there is something more we can be doing for them emotionally too. Creating an environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable expressing themselves and providing solutions and the means should be our effort. We are well aware of the fact that many employees have struggled with stress and anxiety at work resulting in sleep problems, depression and several other mental disorders. Often these workplace stress issues also hamper family lives disturbing the whole cycle mentally, emotionally and physically. Timely care and precaution will help to manage this stress by restricting it to transform into a larger obstacle which can hinder performance. True, that our governments take care of our well-being, but the time involved in this process is huge and probably needs faster and early intervention.

How can organizations achieve this?

Support and communicate

When matters need intervention or direction, make sure you have the resources to help and guide your employees through it. Encouraging teams to discuss the issues openly will ensure trust more employees will opt to speak out. If they feel overworked or feel frustrated with everyday tasks, having managers and supervisors who are willing to listen and offer support will prove beneficial. Clear communication has been effective in solving hassles, whether it’s personal or professional. Majority of the employees say that having a healthy relationship with their manager has helped them function well at work. Company goals and objectives, positive or negative announcements concerning the people or the organization should be clearly communicated to maintain transparency. Employees like being heard, and most importantly, they look up to their manager’s support in times of difficulty.

Reward, appreciate and celebrate

Rewarding your employees appropriately for their contribution and achievements is of utmost importance. Everyone loves attention for their good work and simple gestures like appreciation e-mails can keep the workplace motivation and happiness intact. Occasionally organizing employee recreation meets and team building exercises have also proven effective in breaking the mundane routines.

Coach, counsel and guide

Successful organizations have helped their employees and have taken active measures in offering solutions. Many organizations have hired professional psychologists or service providers for the mental and physical well-being of employees. Offering this service online or within your premises provides flexibility and promises the company’s genuine effort towards employee welfare.

Organizations are truly successful when the environment is healthy and transparent. As much as the sales figures and brand image is important to us, so should be our relationship with our employees and their mental well-being. Companies all over Europe are embarking new business strategies and are being recognised across the world for their cutting edge technology and innovation. Knowing that a huge chunk of the European population suffers from several mental health concerns, taking active measures in your organization’s overall mental health is the fresh prerequisite now.

Employees love organizations who love them back and don’t miss on expressing gratitude towards their contribution.

I am thankful to all the decision-makers who are reading this article right now. I am hoping to make an impact on people’s lives by spreading awareness about the importance of mental health at the organizational level.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source: OECD: http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/mental-health-problems-costing-europe-heavily.htm

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