Unmasking Reality: Mental Health of Employees is Still Only a Conversation Starter
In the modern corporate landscape, employee mental health has become a prominent topic of discussion. In this context, a recent release "The Safety Net: Employee Well-Being and Psychological Safety Key Concerns in the Workplace," conducted by Gi Group Holding India, amplifies the statistics highlighting the challenges faced in the modern workday and offers practical solutions adopted by many organizations.
Unveiling the Crucial Responsibility of Addressing Employee Mental Health:
It is crucial to understand that addressing employee mental health is not just a passing trend but a fundamental responsibility. Through this research, the aim is to spread the word about addressing such issues rather than just conversing about them. The research report emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action, recognizing that mental well-being should be ingrained in every workplace.
Learnings extracted from the report:
Facing the concerns: The study highlights that employees often hesitate to reach out to employers about mental health concerns, leading to a lack of significant outreach. Fortunately, many employer responses (59%) plan to prioritize addressing these issues, with feedback mechanisms being the main focus. However, training and development strategies, as well as mental health training and leadership provisions in the next 12 months, receive less attention, disappointing leaders seeking these provisions.
Life after the post-COVID era: Organizations are gradually recognizing the importance of psychological safety and human capital. Although the change is not revolutionary, the increasing awareness of psychological safety, particularly in the post-COVID era, is encouraging. Psychological safety plays a pivotal role in shaping mental well-being, and organizations are taking steps towards fostering a more inclusive work environment.
Paradigm shift due to newer generations: The newer generation entering the workforce is more vocal, which is where the need for leaders to be coached in their listening skills arises in order to provide space to the other person.
Role of trust and communication: Psychological safety also depends upon the trust established within leaders and their teams, which also contributes to the interpersonal relationships among them. It depends on how well they communicate in a monosyllable or even in the virtue of body language. That comes through trust and the way they are communicating among themselves within the team.
Shifting from a Perk Mentality to Employee Support: Many companies use mental health support as a perk to attract talent but often lack genuine efforts to ensure employee support. It is time to move away from merely talking about mental health benefits and implement meaningful strategies. This includes providing access to mental health resources, promoting work-life balance, and nurturing a culture of open communication where employees feel safe discussing their concerns without fear of judgment.
Leadership's Role in Setting the Tone: Leaders play a vital role in setting the tone for prioritizing employee mental health. By demonstrating their commitment to mental well-being, leaders can create a ripple effect throughout the organization. When leaders openly discuss mental health, seek feedback, and support employees' well-being, it encourages a more empathetic and inclusive work environment.
Addressing employee mental health goes beyond mere discussions and requires tangible actions. It is crucial for companies to prioritize mental well-being, creating a supportive culture that fosters growth and resilience. Steps such as providing access to mental health resources like promoting work-life balance and encouraging open communication can make a significant difference. By acknowledging the importance of mental health, companies can cultivate a healthier and happier workforce, benefiting both employees and organizations.
The article is authored by Sonal Arora, Country Head, Gi Group Holding.
