Mental health security remains one of the most unexplored aspects of the workplace that experts believe should be a key foundation of programs focused on helping employees.
Fear of the Stigma
Over the past few years, many companies have offered counselling programs and mental health services to employees, but many workers still fear that they will be stigmatized if they open up.
Some workers fear that if they open up about depression and anxiety, their chances of getting promoted or transferred to better departments would be slimmer.
In some industries, such as the banking sector, workers are expected to have tougher mental health conditions, especially due to the challenges that come with the job.
The same expectation has also kept some bank employees from not being keen on discussing their mental health conditions with company counsellors or their superiors.
To help reduce stressors that could trigger depression and anxiety among workers, some companies have tried to encourage open discussions about mental health and how a healthy mental condition can help improve a worker's performance.
Specialist Services for Employees
Experts have recommended that companies collaborate with specialist services to help ensure that the mental health of workers, especially during times of uncertainty, is preserved.
Analysts believe that company heads should coordinate with mental health specialists and practitioners to come up with programs that should help employees cope with mental health issues in the workplace.
Partner and employment law expert Jacqui Beasley and BLM partner James Harvey said that "proactive management" of mental health talks in the workplace is crucial in helping improve the way talents view a particular company.
Beasley and Harvey, who are both working with UK-based insurance risk and commercial law firm BLM, added that programs should promote mental health awareness and mental wellbeing.
Mental Health over Physical Issues
The COVID-19 pandemic has further unveiled the weak mental state of many workers, especially those at the frontline and employees under the essential services segments.
Vice president of medical services at Dubai-based airline Emirates, Dr. Richard Jenkins said that since the pandemic started "there's been much more of a need to deal with mental health than the physical health side of COVID."
Jenkins explained that in the airlines industry, there were times during the pandemic that workers were isolated as part of the protocols. However, the isolation has affected their mental health.
As part of the efforts to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation for workers, Emirates started offering guided meditation and personal counselling for its employees. Group chats were also established for open discussions.
Open Discussions for Awareness
Awareness is one of the main reasons why mental health remains stigmatized in the workplace in general. Experts believe there are ways to end the stigma.
Among the programs that people-centric companies have started adopting are those that encourage one-on-one talks with specialists until such time the workers are ready for group discussions.
Mental health training programs are not yet popular in many countries but some companies have already integrated these programs into their mental health awareness campaigns.
Training courses focused on mental health could help not just team members but also department heads in dealing with work-related triggers that could result in mental breakdowns.
Finally, mental health experts recommended perks that should help employees care both for their mental health and physical health. These perks could range from discounted gym memberships to free meditation classes.
