Mental health in the workplace isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a critical component of organisational success and employee wellbeing. With an estimated 15% of working-age adults experiencing a mental disorder at any given time, and mental health conditions costing the global economy R18.5 trillion annually in lost productivity, the time to act is now.
To help organisations create a comprehensive approach to workplace mental health, here are 12 key pillars to consider implementing:
Organisational interventions: Address psychosocial risk factors through participatory approaches to reduce emotional distress and improve work outcomes.
Manager training: Provide training to improve managers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours around supporting employee mental health.
Worker awareness training: Offer mental health literacy and awareness training to all employees to reduce stigma and improve knowledge.
Individual interventions: Make evidence-based psychosocial interventions and physical activity opportunities available to all workers.
Return-to-work support: Implement programmes to help employees return to work after mental health-related absences.
Employment support: Provide supported employment options for people with severe mental health conditions.
Reasonable accommodations: Implement accommodations for workers with mental health conditions in line with human rights principles.
Psychosocial risk assessment: Regularly assess and monitor work-related psychosocial risks as part of occupational health protocols.
Leadership commitment: Secure buy-in from senior leadership to sustain mental health initiatives.
Multi-stakeholder coordination: Foster collaboration between health providers, employers, employees and other relevant stakeholders.
Anti-stigma efforts: Proactively work to reduce mental health stigma in the workplace.
Policy integration: Embed mental health considerations into existing workplace health and HR policies.
By taking a holistic, evidence-based approach across these pillars, organisations can create workplaces that protect and promote employee mental health while also improving business outcomes. The investment in workplace mental health pays off - studies have shown returns of up to R185 for every R18.50 spent on mental health training and support.
Remember, building a mentally healthy workplace is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Start where you are, use what you have, and continue to learn and improve your approach over time. Your employees - and your bottom line - will thank
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