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Together, let's continue to make mental health a priority for ourselves, our employees, and our loved ones by taking more proactive steps each day!
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, HRO would like to take a moment to remind our readers everywhere of the importance of prioritising your mental wellbeing. This year, the theme as defined by the World Health Organization is 'Mental Health at Work', highlighting the critical role of a supportive workplace that promotes mental health — both in and beyond the office.
One of the key messages the campaign hopes to emphasise is how mental health and work are closely linked. For instance, this is evidenced in how stress and burnout have become increasingly prominent in recent years. From high demands, tight deadlines, to difficult colleagues, these factors can all lead to declining mental health in the workplace.
As people leaders, you champion the importance of fostering authentic connection with and amongst your employees. By creating the right atmosphere, you enable team members to express their mental health needs and seek support. This, in turn, also positions you as a top employer when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.
To that effect, Arina Sofiah shares a checklist comprising five simple steps to assess for cultivating a healthier work environment today:
- Compile mental health and crisis resources: Are employees aware of the resources available — including hotlines and text lines — to aid them in their mental health and wellbeing journey?
- Leading by example: Are senior leaders actively prioritising and advocating for mental health within the organisation?
- On the ground competency: Are your leaders and managers equipped with the right skills to handle mental health situations with your employees?
- Make periodic check-ins a habit: Are you frequently communicating with your employees regarding their mental wellbeing?
- Wellness programmes and benefits: Are you offering sufficient and effective programmes or benefits that promote physical and mental health?
While this is so, let's also not forget to take care of your own mental health — because as the saying goes, we must first take care of ourselves before we can take care of others.
Together, let's continue to make mental health a priority for ourselves, our employees, and our loved ones by taking more proactive steps each day!
Keep up with our recent coverage around mental health and mental wellbeing.
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