How to Maintain Employee & Workspace Wellness: Mental Wellness Perspective | Saarika R | Counselling Psychologist | Beautiful Minds

A massive growth has taken place in organisations and companies. Modern technologies have made it possible for individuals with or without entrepreneurial skills to begin what is now a startup culture, the opportunities are galore. Adapting to the new environment is a noted feature of mankind; it has now become mandatory for organisations to also develop coping mechanisms. Organisations must, hence, facilitate to guide the change towards development and not leave it to random influences.

The entire team of HR and Managers should be trained and made aware of the process of providing first aid for psychological health. The first step in providing mental health first aid is understanding the signs and symptoms of an emerging or worsening mental health problem. The management must look out for alarming signs and symptoms in their employees.

Below mentioned are few signs that are a clear call for help:

1. Decreased productivity:

If an employee’s activities and attentiveness has reduced abruptly along and is facing issues like difficulty in concentrating, drop in performance and disorganised behaviour, it is clearly a sign of some form of mental disturbance that needs to be addressed. If an employee was productive and active in the office activities but has been taking a back seat, it calls for concern.

2. Drastic behavioural changes:

If the team members or the managers are seeing a sudden shift from the regular behavior in an employee, it calls for concern. Some changes include, the employee being constantly irritated, having extreme mood swings, being restless and agitated, facing a significant withdrawal from friends and family, confusion and disorientation, etc.
Such behavioural changes could also lead to emotional outbursts and neglecting their own health hygiene altogether and needs to be addressed immediately.

3. Internal dilemma:

There are few symptoms that is difficult for the outsiders to notice, but they are signs of the worsening of conditions and there is need for immediate help. This includes feelings of guilt or worthlessness, sleeping issues, weight or appetite changes, destructive or high-risk behavior, self-injury and deliberate self-harm, substance use problems, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. These signs are hard to notice for the management as most of them are internal turmoils of the employees. To keep track of such cases, the management needs to organise regular workshops and training sessions as a preventive
measure.

There are various dimensions for maintaining the well-being of an employee including: Social, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, and Environmental. All dimensions need to be balanced equally. Employees needs to be trained in balancing all these aspects, as it will not only enhance the growth of the individual but also the growth of the company.

An organisation should prioritise workplace well-being like they do company goals. Relatively small changes in worker autonomy can make a difference in employee well-being.

For instance, allowing employees to work in their own styles can self-motivate them to take up more challenges and improve their sense of validation at work. Offering flexible work timings help employees to manage and balance their interpersonal skills. In addition to this, having access to a “STRESS FREE ZONE” within office premises, a simple board game area, and having lots of greenery in and around the office, can add to the wellness of employees.

Furthermore, including a group meditation program will encourage all individuals to maintain a healthy state of mind. Group meditation sessions will benefit and generate a positive aura for all involved. Many innovative means can be used to main employee and workplace wellness, like placing a small water fountain within office grounds (Sound therapy). The sound of running water aids in diminishing depression, increased mental clarity, greater emotional stability, and an overall sense of well-being. The higher management must also take good care of the
personal needs of an employee like an infirmary at the office. This will not only support their physical health but also their psychological safety too.