For many people, the beginning of the year is a great chance for a fresh start, both personally and professionally. However, it can be tricky to decide what changes to make and even more so to implement them.
Before making any plans, it’s worthwhile reflecting on the previous 12 months. What did you do to look after your wellbeing at work? Was it effective? If the answer is yes – great. That’s a solid foundation to build from. If the answer is no, it’s time to look at ways to achieve improved mental health in the workplace. And if you’re in a management position, it’s also a chance to look at how you can influence the mental health of others in a positive way.
For employees
If you’re not sure about how to stay well at work, there are many strategies which include: llimiting working extra hours, take regular breaks, take your holiday leave, flexible working arrangement and setting realistic deadlines.
One easy way to get started is to set up a wellbeing plan. This allows you to put some key information down on paper regarding seven elements for achieving positive mental health at work. These include:
- Reasons for being at work
- Triggers
- Warning signs
- Work habits
- Creating a positive environment for others
- Friends, family and colleagues you can talk to
- Professional support
What can you do to improve your mental health at work in 2020?
- Make time for yourself – take your breaks and use your annual leave
- Leave work at the office – avoid taking work home if possible and limit additional hours
- Create reasonable expectations – set realistic deadlines and schedule meetings within regular business hours
For managers
If you are in a position to influence how your workplace operates, it’s worth thinking about what contributes to a mentally healthy workplace. From prioritising mental health and work-life balance for employees, to workload management and employee development, your workplace should demonstrate nine key attributes.
As a manager, you are well placed to play a part in the development of a workplace mental health strategy. When implemented, this can lead to an increase in productivity, staff engagement, recruitment and retention.
This article is from the Headsup organisation which is dedicated to mental health in the workforce. Its website has a library of resources to encourage mental health and strategies for dealing with mental health issues.