October Mental Health Awareness a key reminder of the role that businesses need to play
With October being declared Mental Health Awareness Month, employee wellness in the modern workplace is key, highlighting that employers need to continually place employee well-being at the core of their companies’ respective cultures.
This is the opinion of Nomvula Nxumalo, head of transformation, people, and culture at MiWay Insurance. “The lessons we learnt as employers over recent years have demonstrated that more fulfilled and satisfied workers are more productive, more enthusiastic, and more agile in their approach to change. With the hybrid working trend as the new norm, the lines between home life and work life can become blurred, alerting many business leaders to the critical role they play in uplifting and supporting their valued workforces.”
She explains that it is therefore in the best interests of all businesses to invest in their teams’ collective and individual wellbeing – and to go beyond conventional ‘9-to-5’ thinking. “As businesses adjust to the ever-evolving working landscape, three significant trends in employee mental health are emerging, presenting both challenges and possibilities for businesses to participate in the progress and put employee wellness and positive mental health at the core of their offerings.”
These include:
1. Remote Work and Hybrid Work Models: While these models offer flexibility, they also present unique challenges for employee mental health. Isolation can potentially blur work-life boundaries, and a lack of in-person social interaction can contribute to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. To address this trend, businesses are encouraged to invest in virtual team-building activities, provide mental health resources, and to create policies that promote a healthy work-life balance. This could include mandatory office attendance two or three times per week, and regular check-ins with employees to see how they are doing professionally and personally.
2. Technology-Driven Solutions: The rise of technology has brought about innovative solutions to support employee mental health. Mobile apps, teletherapy platforms, and wearable devices are becoming more accessible and integral to mental health management. Employers are increasingly offering digital mental health resources, making it easier for employees to access support and track their well-being. To be part of this trend, businesses can explore partnerships with mental health tech providers, offer digital mental health tools as part of their benefits package, and encourage employees to utilise these resources.
3. Mental Health Stigma Reduction: In recent years, there has been a significant shift in attitudes towards mental health, with a greater focus on reducing stigma. Employees are more comfortable discussing their mental health challenges, and organisations are responding by fostering a culture of openness and support. To contribute to this trend, companies can implement mental health awareness training for employees and leaders, creating safe spaces for conversations, and promoting policies that prioritise mental well-being.
To be part of the progress in employee mental health wellness, Nxumalo recommends that businesses consider the following actions:
Champion Good Mental Health: Place mental health at the forefront of your corporate culture. This involves leadership buy-in, continual transparent communication about mental health initiatives, and allocating resources to support employee well-being. Mental health is part of a bigger picture that encompasses each person’s holistic state of being. The adage, ‘healthy mind, healthy body,’ is very true. “At MiWay, for example, we act on this philosophy by offering comprehensive wellness programmes that include on-site gym facilities, health clinics, running clubs, and various other employee assistance programmes.”
Offer Comprehensive Benefits: Provide a range of mental health benefits, including access to therapists, EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs), and digital mental health platforms. This can also extend to benefits such as medical aid, trauma counseling and family health programmes. Ensure that these resources are easily accessible and widely communicated.
Foster Inclusivity: Create a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all employees, regardless of their background or identity, feel supported in their mental health journeys. An inclusive workplace makes space for your workforce to celebrate who they are. This also means providing training about unconscious bias and celebrating diversity, offering equal access to opportunities, and highlighting what makes each employee special.
“Employee mental health and wellness are ever-evolving topics in the modern workplace, and businesses have a pivotal role to play. By embracing these trends and taking proactive steps to support their employees' mental well-being, companies can not only improve employee satisfaction and retention but also contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce,” concludes Nxumalo.