Breaking the silence: Navigating mental health in the corporate world

It is no secret that mental health awareness is slowly coming to the forefront, with singers,  actors, and athletes coming out about their challenges. While their stories shed light on the importance of mental health, yet employees feel apprehensive about having honest conversations about their struggles at work. Mental health has long been shrouded in silence and secrecy. How can we change that?

Join us in a collective journey towards understanding, and breaking the silence.

Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier workplace?

Let's go!

Jify Connect

Watch Mr. Nauman Shakib , former Senior Director (HR) at HealthifyMe, Simplilearn and Mu Sigma, share his thoughts on mental health and encourage organisations to embrace initiatives that can help create an empathic environment for employees.

Facing the Number

Over 60% of your colleagues could be battling mental health in silence.

In-Focus

Making a workplace a safe place for employees to be open about their struggles, while feeling welcomed is the need of the hour. We can do a number of things that can help employees manage their mental health.

1.  Create a supportive environment

A supportive work environment can make employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health. This means being understanding and non-judgmental, and providing employees with the resources. Creating a supportive work environment could include:

• Providing mental health training and workshops to managers and employees
• Have an anonymity box where employees can write their struggles and can be responded to by a therapist or senior leader
• Creating leave policies that include employee wellness leaves once a month
• Encouraging employees to take breaks and vacations
• Supporting employees who transition into retirement by offering phased retirement, where their responsibilities gradually reduce
• Providing opportunities for employees to reduce their working hours temporarily, when their responsibilities are adequately met

2. Provide access to resources

Giving access to resources such as - Employee Assistance Programs, Mental Health Counseling Services or creating support groups for employees can help them manage their mental well-being.

3. Encourage open communication

Promoting open communication about mental health in the workplace is important. This means encouraging employees to talk to their managers or HR department if they are struggling. Providing resources to support employee mental health helps improve their personal and professional lives.

"We have a responsibility to support employees and provide tools and resources for them to be their personal best. Mental well-being is not a nice to have. It's a must-have!" 

- Lloyd Blankfein, former CEO of Goldman Sachs

Worth A Listen

1. On Today's Agenda: Corporate Compassion! 
2. Dear Work Environment, It's not me, it's you! 
3. What's eating away your mental strength!

Around the HR World

• Reducing Stressors: Take a step back to identify stressors at a workplace, this has a holistic impact on business. Understand the power of empathy at your workplace and you won’t believe what happens next!
• Nurturing mental health: It’s not just about addressing employee concerns and meeting their needs. Discover the secret formula to creating an unstoppable workforce! Your HR strategy is key!
• Money on the mind?: Financial wellness and financial stress can determine overall health and happiness. Uncover the mind-blowing connection that exists between self-care and financial success!

The Healthy Take

• Having a funny gut feeling? Stress can be the undercover problem-maker!

The gut and brain closely interact, which explains the nauseous feeling before an interview or a presentation. The gut-brain connection is real!  Worry not, you could try a few relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

• How much exercise is too much exercise?

Signs of over-exercising could include fatigue, changes in appetite, and insomnia. Listen to your body if you’re noticing any of these symptoms. Remember, moderation is always key!