The Importance of Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace.
Mental wellbeing is one of the most valuable business assets. Workplaces that prioritise mental health have better engagement, reduced absenteeism and higher productivity, while people have improved wellbeing, greater morale and higher job satisfaction.
Mental health problems are common, with nearly one in two New Zealanders likely to meet the criteria for a mental illness at some time in their lives. As with any health condition, mental health problems can affect a person’s work and cause substantial costs to organisations. While any one of us may experience stress, anxiety and depression at some time in our lives, there are things workplaces can do to support their people to build resilience and have positive mental health, so they can cope with setbacks and take advantage of opportunities.
Workplaces that prioritise mental health have better engagement, reduced absenteeism and higher productivity, while people have improved wellbeing and greater morale. An Australian analysis found workplaces who take effective action to create mentally healthy workplaces can expect a return on investment of $2.30 for every dollar spent. Employees who believe their employer cares about their wellbeing are more engaged at work than others. Work environments can have a negative impact on mental health. Workplaces have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to manage risks to mental health and wellbeing just like they do any other health and safety risk.
Research shows there are five simple things you can do as part of your daily life – at work and at home – to build resilience, boost your wellbeing and lower your risk of developing mental health problems. These simple actions are known internationally as the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are – Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, and Take Notice. They help people take care of their mental health and Wellbeing. Regularly practising the Five Ways is beneficial for everyone – whether you have a mental health problem or not.
Why the Five Ways work:
Connect:
Strengthening relationships with others and feeling close to and valued by others, including at work, is critical to boosting wellbeing.
Keep Learning:
Being curious and seeking out new experiences at work and in life more generally positively stimulates the brain.
Be Active:
Being physically active, including at work, improves physical health and can improve mood and wellbeing and decrease stress, depression and anxiety.
Give:
Carrying out acts of kindness, whether small or large, can increase happiness, life satisfaction and general sense of wellbeing.
Take Notice:
Paying more attention to the present moment, to thoughts and feelings and to the world around, boosts our wellbeing.
The Five Ways in action:
Connect:
Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Keep Learning:
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Take on a new responsibility at work.
Be Active:
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Garden. Play a game.
Give:
Do something nice for a team mate. Thank someone. Volunteer your time.
Take Notice:
Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment.
Designing and delivering an effective Wellbeing Programme in your workplace will result in significant improvements across the organisation:
Reduction in:
Sick leave
Stress
Staff turn over
Accidents and injuries
Temporary recruitment
Recruitment costs
Management time
Workplace conflict
Overtime payments
Permanent staff payroll
Legal costs/claims
Increase in:
Revenues
Productivity
Company profile
Employee health and welfare
Job satisfaction
Staff motivation, morale and sense of belonging
Cooperative and quality workplace relationships
Customer service and satisfaction
Competitive advantage
Attracting and keeping the best people
As clinical & business experts in this area, Kete Services can work with you and your organisation - no matter how big or small - to set up and deliver a successful workplace Wellbeing Programme.
Information referenced from https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/