Is mental health support a key element of inclusive work culture?

A decade ago conversations around mental health support at the workplace were simply swept under the corporate carpet The stigma around depression anxiety and stress was so prevalent that these issues were not even acknowledged But today 81 per cent of workplaces have increased their focus on employee mental healthAs we peel back the layers of corporate norms it becomes evident that mental health support stands as an irreplaceable pillar in creating an environment where every employee can thrive Just as the human mind holds endless potential embracing mental health support is the key to unlocking the untapped potential within each individualWe are all a combination of our experiences the expectations we have of ourselves and those that people have of us and sometimes it is natural to be overwhelmed How each one of us reacts to these stimuli is different and that is what makes us unique Investing in employee wellbeing is the first and most important step in fostering such individuality and building a great organisationThe World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy approximately 1 trillion per year in lost productivity Investing in mental health support not only benefits individual employees but also yields significant economic returns creating a winwin scenario for both employees and organisationsBreaking the Stigma and Fostering AcceptanceOnly 13 per cent of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health in the workplace According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI 9 out of 10 employees who experienced mental health challenges reported facing stigma in their workplace This stigma often leads to employees hiding their mental health conditions and delaying seeking help impacting their wellbeing and productivity Picture a workplace where individuals feel seen heard and supported A place where every employee is working towards growing the business unhindered by the stigma associated with mental health challenges Leading newage businesses our actions and values set the tone for the entire organization Hence the onus is on the leadership to actively break down the stigma surrounding mental health This will further inspire a ripple effect empowering others within an organization to do the same We need to create an environment where employees can thrive leading to enhanced productivity and optimal performance This encourages diverse viewpoints creativity and collaboration leading to breakthrough ideas and solutions When employees feel safe to express themselves authentically they can contribute their unique talents and experiences to the collective success of the organizationEnabling equal access to resourcesIndian workplaces have come a long way when it comes to destigmatizing conversations around mental health challenges In the face of the 2020 pandemic mental wellbeing took centre stage and workplaces started embracing mental health support policies The industry has taken a step forward in not just acknowledging but also providing resources that are accessible equitable and culturally sensitive As an ecosystem we need to position ourselves as an ally in the mental health journey of our employees and remove barriers to access such as cost stigma and logistical challenges Around 80 per cent of Indian companies have gone the EAP Employee Assistance Program way to offer access to trained professionals They help employees address personal and workrelated challenges reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing Newage companies are revisiting rehauling and restructuring their policies to incorporate mental health support as an integral part This includes providing flexible working hours paid mental health leave and additional health insurance coverage for mental health treatments Such policies ensure that employees have the necessary resources and support to prioritize their mental wellbeingAcing the talent attraction and retention gameThe younger workforce of today is drawn in by an organisations progressive and inclusive cultural code They seek more than just a paycheck they yearn for a workplace that values their holistic needs and provides a supportive environment Todays generation appreciates diversity and seeks to be a part of a company that embraces different backgrounds opinions and experiences Prioritizing diversity and inclusion in hiring leadership and decisionmaking processes increases the appeal of companies to the younger workforce It is important to remember that collaboration and innovation are fostered by an inclusive cultureAccording to a report by the World Health Organization WHO for every dollar invested in mental health treatment there is an average return of 4 in improved health and productivity This highlights the significance of providing accessible mental health resources to employees as it not only benefits individuals but also contributes to overall organisational success Our mental health support policies act as a value addition drawing in the best and brightest minds who are eager to contribute their skills and expertise Once they join our organization these policies become the glue that keeps them engaged committed and loyal By offering resources such as counselling services flexible work arrangements and mental health leave we create an inclusive culture that meets their needs beyond the industrys tick boxes I believe that investing in mental health support and promoting a culture that does not discard young minds not only attracts young talent but also cultivates a team of empowered individuals who are motivated to grow and thriveCreating workplaces Where the mind is without FearA recent report by Indeed titled Where the mind is without fear states that a psychologically safe environment is a key component of diversity inclusion and belonging DIampB efforts While devising policies for an allinclusive workplace environment we need to remember that mental health is not onesizefitsall Right now we are all operating in a piecemeal manner providing Employee Assistance Programmes EAPs counselling sessions and interventions aimed at alleviating stress and improving motivation and productivity But due to the unconscious biases at play we are collectively running behind to reach the desired outcome The need of the hour is to devise a compelling policy and cultural framework for mental health support and to make it the core of every organizational structure Employees who receive mental health support and engage in selfcare activities are better equipped to manage stress make effective decisions and maintain focus on their work responsibilitiesOver the past decade workplaces have made significant strides in addressing mental health challenges The once prevalent stigma surrounding mental health is slowly being dismantled creating an environment where every employee can thrive Organisations now understand the economic and personal benefits of investing in mental health support By taking proactive steps to provide mental health support we can unlock the untapped potential within each individual The focus should be on creating a future where mental health support is integrated into the fabric of every organization allowing employees to flourish and contribute their bestAlso Read Discover rare first editions and vinyl at this thrift bookshop in MumbaiThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever