How to promote good mental health in the workplace - 5 tips for employers and business owners.

Promoting mental health in the workplace is vital to create a supportive and productive environment. Here are five ways for your organisation to achieve this:

1. Foster a Culture of Openness and Support

• Normalise conversation about mental health through encouraging open discussions around it.

• Train managers and supervisors to identify signs of mental health struggles and to offer

support.

• Provide channels for employees to express concerns confidentially.

2. Offer Mental Health Resources and Benefits

• Provide access to counselling services, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or mental health professionals.

• Offer workshops/web events on managing stress, mindfulness and emotional resilience.

3. Encourage Work-Life Balance

• When business needs allow, promote flexible working hours and remote work options to

accommodate employees’ personal needs.

• Set reasonable expectations about workload and deadlines to reduce stress and burnout.

• Encourage employees to take regular breaks.

• Do not expect staff to reply to messages, emails or calls outside of their contracted hours.

4. Create a Healthy Physical Workspace

• Ensure the workplace helps to reduce stress by incorporating natural light, plants and where possible, spaces for relaxation.

• Promote movement through standing desks or access to fitness activities.

• Ensure the environment is ergonomically sound to prevent physical discomfort for

employees that can lead to mental strain.

5. Promote Peer Support and Team Building

• Establish peer support programmes or mental health champions within the organisation.

• Encourage team-building activities to promote social connections and reduce isolation.

• Create safe spaces for team members to share experiences and support one another.

Cultivating a positive and healthy environment can help employees thrive both mentally and

professionally.