What is mental health
Mental health is our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, which can be anywhere from poor to excellent. It’s influenced by many things – for example stress, fatigue or trauma. Sometimes feeling less well, or experiencing mental distress, can come with a diagnosis of a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
Experiencing mental distress is common. As a business owner, you need to support your employees if they’re experiencing mental distress or poor mental wellbeing.
What is mentally healthy work
Mentally healthy work is work that supports the mental health of your employees by:
- eliminating or minimising the risks to workers’ mental health
- prioritising their wellbeing.
Mental health's effect on us
Nearly half of New Zealanders will meet the criteria for a diagnosis of mental illness at some stage during their lives. One in five will receive a mental health diagnosis in any given year.
How to create a mentally healthy workplace
Creating a mentally healthy and safe work environment involves more than reducing bullying and harassment.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health and wellbeing. Each business will have their own unique challenges.
Generally, you should consider these factors when creating a mentally healthy workplace:
- Work design – make sure your workers feel connected to each other and are clear on what their role is and how they fit in.
- Work environment – consider if there are any tasks that might cause mental harm, such as poor air quality, high levels of noise or extreme temperatures.
- Relationships – consider the culture of your business as a whole including expectations, work-life balance, recognition and reward.
Benefits of having a mentally healthy workplace
Businesses that invest in building and maintaining good mental wellbeing report higher productivity, sales and customer satisfaction.
These are some reasons why creating a mentally healthy workplace is good for your business.
Mental wellbeing is a valuable business asset
When people are healthy, they can cope with the day-to-day stresses of life. This allows them to work and interact in a positive way. That’s when they can reach their full potential.
Minds do the heavy lifting
Healthy minds are more creative, innovative and solutions-focused, giving your business a competitive edge in the modern workplace.
Mentally-well workers are more productive
Happy, satisfied workers who enjoy being at work are less likely to take time off, suffer injuries, and leave for another job. This can help save on sick leave, and recruitment and training costs.
Recruitment can be easier
A workplace that’s known as a good place to work, with a healthy workplace culture, finds it easier to recruit and retain the best workers. This can reduce costs and boost productivity.
It’s as important as physical health
Employers are more likely to recognise the risks and effects of physical health conditions than mental health conditions. But employees experiencing mental distress are the main reason for lost work time. Sick leave can be used to help them look after mental health issues, such as burnout or stress.
It’s a legal requirement
Managing health and safety risks associated with stress is the law. Sick leave must be granted to allow employees to care for their mental health, as it would be to care for their physical health.
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