How to Destigmatise Mental Illness in the Workplace
Unsurprisingly, mental health took a significant knock during the peak of the pandemic in 2020. Rates of people struggling with anxiety and depression spiked in line with the crisis and understandably so.
Not only do individuals have the symptoms and challenges that come with mental health issues but it also the stigma that is often attached to mental health can maximise symptoms.
It is important that mental illness is destigmatised in the workplace so that individuals feel comfortable and secure enough to seek support. There should be an atmosphere created in which employees can feel comfortable enough to ask for help. Not only does this allow the employee to air their feelings but it can allow managers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their team.
How to Destigmatise Mental Illness in the Workplace
There are many ways that organisations can help to destigmatise mental illness in the workplace. This helps to create a positive and inclusive culture. It also helps to foster a positive employee experience.
Talk About It
Talking about mental health takes away the stigma and encourages more people to talk. Asking people ‘How they are’ and checking in regularly and informally can help people to open up.
Employees are more likely to be open and honest if they have a good and open relationship with their management team. Regular communication can also help managers notice changes in people’s demeanour which could be a signal that something is going on.
Be Inclusive
Just as measures would be taken for employees with physical illnesses, accommodations should be made for those struggling with their mental health. Accommodations shouldn’t be so over the top that they could result in people feeling uncomfortable, but employees should know that they are valued at work and are allowed such allowances and that these are positive things.
Employees need to know they can ask for reasonable allowances that will enable them to perform at their highest level.
Lead by Example
For employees to feel comfortable enough to share and talk about their struggles, openness and honesty must come from the top. Leaders should lead by example and when leaders are open about their own struggles, they send positive messages to individuals struggling with their mental health that they can still succeed despite their health issues.
Individual Differences
It is important to recognise that different demographics and different age groups respond to mental health differently. It is important to keep this in mind when considering processes and resources for how to support your teams.
Mental Health Days
If an employee is physically sick, taking a day or week off to recover is expected and encouraged. Just like this, mental health days should be encouraged. When people know this is available, employees will be more encouraged to use them.
In turn, this reduces the stigma associated with mental health. It encourages employees to give themselves the time they need to rest and recover.
There is so much that can be done in the workplace to provide employees with support as well as to destigmatise mental health and there are so many reasons why.
- When people don’t fear stigma, they will be more open and honest and will ask for allowances. When these are received, they will feel more engaged and positive – aiding their performance and employee retention should improve.
- When people are less afraid of being labelled negatively, they will likely ask for support and treatment allowing them to get through their struggles.
- People with mental health conditions are more likely to feel imposter syndrome at work so need role models who are leaders and high performers to encourage and motivate them.
- Employees who are comfortable talking about mental health will share resources and their experiences, including tips and tricks that have worked for them which may be valuable support for others who are going through similar struggles.
- The more that leaders support and recognise mental health, the more likely that it is prioritised in the workplace – leading to more support to be available to the workforce.
Understanding your team can help build a happier and healthier workplace. If you’re interested in how hug can support your team, please get in touch with us today.
