How to build a positive workplace culture that supports and reinforces good mental wellbeing
Indeed, looking after mental health has become crucial in all aspects of life. And with the unique and complex challenges the pandemic has presented, it’s more important now than ever for employers to support good mental wellbeing through a positive workplace culture.
How workplace culture and positive mental health are connected
The two things go hand-in-hand. Our 2020 workplace wellbeing research with the CIPD showed that over half of organisations reported a healthier and more inclusive culture as a result of undertaking health and wellbeing activity.
The negative effects of a poor workplace culture on mental health are clear. Business in the Community’s Mental Health at Work 2019 report said: “Employers need to stop harming the mental health of their employees through poor business practices and culture.” The report found that two in five employees have experienced poor mental health due to work in the past year.
In addition, our research showed that heavy workloads and management style are both leading causes of stress at work. This shows the critical role of not just managers, but also the impact an ‘always-on’ work culture can have on mental wellbeing.
Building a positive culture
There is argument to say that an authentic workplace culture is organic. It should be nurtured from within and isn’t something that can be applied from the top-down. That said, HR and business leaders play an important role in encouraging the development of a positive workplace culture – especially in relation to mental wellbeing. Here are three areas to consider:
1. Leader role-modelling
Encourage leaders and line managers to ‘walk the talk’. For good mental wellbeing this might mean finishing work on time, not sending emails ‘out of hours’, or not working when ill. Even just taking time for yourself when needed, such as using mindfulness techniques, is a great example of healthy behaviour for the mind.
By demonstrating self-care and prioritising their own wellbeing, leaders and managers can show employees that it’s important to look after themselves.
2. Encourage openness
Establish a safe space for people to talk about their mental health. A workplace culture where employees feel that they can be themselves, can make it feel easier to speak out, without fear of judgment or repercussions.
This can be enhanced by leaders telling stories about their own mental wellbeing; perhaps challenges they have faced or how they overcame them. Bravely and honestly sharing these experiences can help create a feeling of trust, where employees know they will be supported, if they step forward with their own struggles.
3. Promote mental wellbeing
Ensure the whole workforce knows about your mental wellbeing strategy; what help you can offer and where they can go to find it. Counselling services, employee assistance programmes, or initiatives like Mental Health First Aid are all robust methods of supporting people when something goes wrong.
But to reinforce positive mental wellbeing, make it part of everyday life in your organisation. At Simplyhealth, we’ve developed a new wellbeing programme, ENERGISE YOU. With weekly webinars that focus on topics like managing stress and mindfulness, regular communication via an email newsletter, ‘Feel Good Fortnightly’, and a strong, recognisable internal brand. The programme keeps mental wellbeing a central, consistent focus in the organisation.
The right workplace culture can have really positive impacts on mental health. For many organisations, this year has seen great change which will have affected how we grow and experience culture. Using these three areas of focus though, you can help foster an environment with good mental wellbeing at its heart.
This article is provided by Simplyhealth.
In partnership with Simplyhealth
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