World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10 each year, is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. In recent years, discussions around mental health have gained momentum, and rightly so.
But one critical aspect that people shy away or avoid is mental health in the workplace. Creating wellness and supporting mental health in the workplace is no longer a nice to have, but a necessity.
In light of World Suicide Prevention Day, let us delve into the significance of mental health and explore the vital role that employers and employees play in fostering a mentally healthy workplace.
Importance of discussing workplace mental health
Employees spend a significant portion of their lives in the workplace. It's not only a source of livelihood but also a place that can impact the mental well-being of an individual. The work environment and work culture highly influence an employee's mental health, shaping their overall happiness and productivity.
A supportive and collaborative workplace can be a sanctuary, a space where employees feel valued, understood, and motivated. In such an environment, they are more likely to thrive both personally and professionally. On the other hand, a negative and over-pressuring work atmosphere can lead to distress and burnout and in severe cases, contribute to mental health issues.
Here are things employers can do to support the mental health of employees :
- Promoting self-care and encouraging open discussion regarding emotional well-being foster understanding and help individuals access support as necessary. Companies can contribute significantly to nurturing a culture of empathy and acceptance. Proving regular breaks, outings and exercise can help de-stress and relax at work.
- Extending a range of well-being provisions, such as access to counseling services or employee assistance programs, can offer substantial support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Acknowledging the uniqueness of each person's mental health journey, flexible work arrangements can adapt to employees' requirements, reducing stress and mitigating burnout.
- Empowering managers and employees with the ability to recognize signs of emotional distress and equipping them with tools for resolution can be transformative.
Leading by Example: Merojob's Commitment
At Merojob, we stand firmly alongside individuals and organizations worldwide on this World Suicide Prevention Day. We are dedicated to spreading awareness about the critical issue of suicide and advocating for the significance of mental health. We understand that nurturing a culture of care and support is not just a responsibility but a shared commitment that transcends boundaries.
We firmly believe that our collective actions, regardless of their scale, hold the power to make a profound difference in preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being. At Merojob, we are committed to supporting mental health initiatives and initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and compassion. Our goal is to contribute to a world where mental health is a fundamental priority for everyone.
Alaya's Initiatives
"At Alaya, we firmly believe that the mental well-being of our employees is essential. A significant portion of our employee engagement budget is allocated specifically for employee well-being aimed at fostering a supportive work environment. One of our longstanding programs is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which we've been running for the past four years. This program, in partnership with Happy Minds, provides employees with access to various mental health professionals, including psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and counselors.
Our initiatives, such as "R U Okay Day," "Random Act of Kindness," and various wellness sessions like Zumba and Yoga, have been successful in facilitating a culture of well-being. Interestingly, this past August, we noticed a surge in participation from our male employees in our EAP program. This is encouraging as it challenges the societal norms that often stigmatize men seeking mental health support.
We're delighted that our programs are making a measurable impact, and we aim to sustain this momentum in our pursuit of a mentally healthy workplace for all.
World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder that each of us has a role in advancing mental health and averting suicide. By focusing on mental health within the workplace, we set in motion a series of actions that can reach far beyond our immediate surroundings and influence our communities. Let's always bear in mind the significance of shattering the silence, providing mutual support, and working towards a world where mental well-being is paramount", says Oscar Maan Singh Pradhan, Employee Engagement Specialist at Alaya.
World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that our actions within the workplace have the power to ripple outward, affecting not only individuals but entire communities. It's a call to break the silence surrounding mental health and to offer mutual support.
Together, we can create workplaces that are not only productive but also places of refuge, understanding, and compassion. In doing so, we take a significant step towards a world where mental health is not just a priority but a fundamental right for all.
