Taking care of your employees' mental health

October 10, 2020 is an important day to reflect and talk about one of the most growing concerns in society today: mental health. This year, our reality has been challenged due to COVID-19, which has moved the world to have an open conversation about this topic. The past few months have created a completely different professional and personal atmosphere for everyone. This challenging situation has also led to more unemployment and redefined jobs, among other things. Your own workplace plays a key role in mental health.

What are the risks and possible solutions?

Risks in the workplace

According to the World Health Organization, a negative work environment can lead to mental health problems. And vice versa, as the state of a team is defined by the combination of each individual's current situation.

Some of the most well-known mental health problems that affect individuals include anxiety disorders (constant feelings of fear that can be intense and debilitating), depression (a drop in mood, loss of interest and reduced energy) and loneliness (feeling that the need for social contact and relationships is not being met).

If these types of problems are found in your workplace, they can gradually affect the company as a whole. Any type of negative circumstance can lead to lower levels of productivity and efficiency, as well as a concerning lack of ambition and passion from your employees. Another important aspect is communication and management practices. For example, limited involvement in decision-making, as determined by the company, can also affect the health of your crew.

As a result of this challenging 2020, various industry sectors have opened up to the possibility of working remotely. Despite all the benefits this new way of working can bring, there is one major challenge to consider: keeping your crew connected and continuing to do so remotely.

How to take care of your mental health

Mental health is very complex. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as everyone's circumstances are different. Some tips and techniques that may help you improve your well-being include:

Keep yourself active
Pay attention to your diet
Exchange ideas with other people
Take a break if you feel overwhelmed
Be open to learning new skills
Show affection and kindness to others.
Pay attention to the here and now
Try meditation and mindfulness

ahead intranet internal communication mental health

How you can maintain the mental health of your employees

To create a healthy environment for your team and your company, here are some of the most important recommendations you can consider:

Establish a strong culture - Defining your company's vision, mission, and working methods is one of the most important measures you should take. Not only because it is very important for strengthening your brand's position in the eyes of your customers, but also because it gives your employees a sense of belonging.
Ensure strong networking and transparent communication - As mentioned earlier, implementing strong connections and interaction within your crew can reduce depression and loneliness thanks to the feeling of connection with other colleagues. From relevant, constant contact and clear discussions about your company's core issues to creating a safe place where your crew can come together in a more relaxed and entertaining way.
Make your employees' roles clear to them Why do they belong to this company? What do we expect from them? These questions and clear answers are extremely important and should not be ignored. If your employees are not 100% sure of the role they play in the company or whether their tasks will remain indispensable in the future, this can lead to uncertainty and doubt, which in turn can lead to anxiety and a lack of motivation. Show trust and appreciate the work performance of your crew.
Have good equipment - The tools and infrastructure must be of high quality. And we don't mean having the biggest office in town! We're talking about showing that your employees can do their jobs with the right tools, from physical equipment to the way their knowledge can be shared. In times when remote work is becoming increasingly important, think about how two people working from two different countries can collaborate while sharing and accessing the best expertise within the company.

Mental Health video call

We believe that creating a safe place for your business promotes employee well-being, involves all your employees, and makes them feel like they are part of something right and good. At ahead , we know how to create a digital home for your company, and we can connect your entire workforce in a single space. We invite you to learn more about our intranet application and how we can optimize internal communication on your company's homepage!