World Mental Health Day 2024 It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace

Dr Gangmumei Kamei
Contd from previous issue
This means fostering a culture of openness, where mental health conversations are normalized, and where seeking support is viewed as a sign of strength rather than a weakness.
One way to break down this stigma is through leadership. When managers and senior leaders openly discuss mental health or share their own experiences, it sets a powerful example for the rest of the organization. Employees are more likely to feel comfortable seeking help if they know their leaders take mental health seriously.
The Role of Employers in Supporting Mental Health
Employers have a responsibility to provide resources and support systems that address mental health challenges in the workplace. A proactive approach to mental health not only benefits employees but also improves organizational performance, engagement, and retention.
Here are several key strategies employers can adopt to support mental health in the workplace:
1. Implement Mental Health Policies : Having clear, comprehensive mental health policies is crucial. These policies should outline the support available to employees, such as access to counseling services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and mental health days.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation time, and set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Work-life balance is essential for maintaining mental well-being, particularly in the era of remote and hybrid work.
3.    Offer Mental Health Training for Managers: Managers are often the first point of contact for employees facing mental health challenges. Training managers to recognize signs of mental health issues and equipping them with the tools to offer support can make a significant difference.
4.    Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Employers should ensure that employees have access to mental health professionals and resources. This could include on-site coun-seling, telehealth options, or partnerships with mental health organizations.
5.    Create a Supportive Culture: A workplace culture that prioritizes mental health is one where employees feel supported, not just in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. Regular check-ins, mental health awareness campaigns, and open commu- nication channels can help foster this culture.
The Economic Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health
Investing in mental health is not just a moral imperative—it also makes economic sense. The WHO estimates that for every dollar invested in mental health, there is a $4 return in improved productivity and health. Businesses that prioritize mental health have seen improvements in employee engagement, reten- tion, and overall performance.
Companies like Unilever and Salesforce have emerged as leaders in prioritizing mental health. Unilever offers comprehensive mental health support to its employees, including access to mental health champions and professional counseling services. Sales- force has introduced “Wellness Days,” where employees are encouraged to take time off to focus on their well-being, and provides therapy and mindful- ness programs to help employees manage stress.
These examples highlight how prioritizing mental health can create a healthier, more engaged workforce and positively impact business outcomes.
Mental Health in the Remote and Hybrid Work Era
The rise of remote and hybrid work has presented new challenges to workplace mental health. While flexible work arrangements offer benefits, such as reduced commuting time and greater autonomy, they also come with risks, particularly around isolation and overwork. Employees working from home often struggle to set boundaries, leading to longer working hours and increased stress.
To address these challenges, employers must adapt their mental health support strategies. Virtual mental health programs, regular check-ins, and promoting a clear work-life separation are essential in ensuring that remote employees maintain their men- tal well-being. It is also important for employers to foster a sense of connection and community, even in a remote work environment, to combat feelings of isolation.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
World Mental Health Day 2024 is a call to action for businesses, leaders, and employees alike: It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace. The costs of neglecting mental health are too high, both in human terms and economically. By creating supportive environments, providing access to resources, and fostering open conversations about mental health, workplaces can play a pivotal role in improving the well-being of their employees.
For businesses, prioriti-zing mental health is not just about preventing burnout or reducing absen- teeism—it’s about building a culture of care, where employees feel valued and supported. For employees, it is a reminder that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards building resilience and achieving long-term success.
As the world continues to evolve, so must our approach to mental health in the workplace. On this World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to making mental well-being a priority, not just today, but every day. It’s time for workplaces to lead the way in creating a healthier, more compassionate future for all.
The writer is  Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, MU