The need to treat mental health in the workplace is becoming more and more vital. Even if discussions and understanding about mental health have generally changed for the better in recent years, the stigma around mental illness still lingers. Stigma, or unfavorable attitudes and discrimination, toward mental health is a severe problem, particularly at work.
It frequently makes it difficult for workers to get the care they require. Mental health issues left untreated can result in decreased output, missing workdays, and a high turnover rate. This indicates that the stigma associated with mental health in the workplace affects both employees and employers. The statistics show that 79% of workers are more inclined to stick with a company that offers top-notch resources for mental health treatment.
What Does Workplace Stigma Against Mental Health Mean?
Discrimination against workers who have mental health disorders is known as workplace mental health stigma. It may show itself in a variety of ways, such as a worker feeling uncomfortable seeking treatment for their mental health issues out of concern for their future employment. In certain instances, workers may even conceal their mental health issues given that might hinder their chances of getting promotions. Stigma can result from deliberate or unintentional prejudice.
According to several studies, the stigma surrounding mental illness may play a significant role in the underuse of workplace healthcare services. By addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness in the workplace, all employees may feel safer and more connected.
How to Deal with Stigma at Work?
There are a few tactics that organizations can use to develop organizational resilience in response to workplace stigma, even if treating mental health concerns is a complex issue for individuals. Leaders should create policies that support workers with mental health issues and offer services for those who might require help.
To assist those who are struggling with mental health concerns, The Center for Workplace Mental Health recommends a program that provides three phases.
- Determine the indications of distress first,
- Then connect with the distressed person, and
- Finally work together to understand a course of action.
Special rules and policies need to be created after you have determined which tactics will work best for your organization. Establish communication procedures that consider employees’ knowledge of stigma and safety in relation to mental health and their awareness. Employees can feel understood if you communicate your efforts to eradicate stigma at work clearly. This increases confidence, promotes employee retention, and sends a favorable message.
Ensure that everyone in the organization is aware of the resources at their disposal. This includes picking the best employee perks for mental health and clearly stating how to use them. This aids in lowering the price of underutilized benefits. When management, leadership, and coworkers can all convey a positive and accepting message, in a workplace where mental health is less stigmatized, productivity increases.
How to Motivate Employees to Speak Up
How can you create a climate where employees feel secure and supported in speaking up given the effects of mental health stigma?
Managers and supervisors are in a unique position to identify the warning signs and symptoms of employee discomfort and respond to them by focusing on their strengths. Positive strategies encourage interaction and access to well-known workplace resources. You can aid an employee’s rehabilitation process as a dependable leader. Give a worker your undivided attention when they raise worries about their mental health. Employers may assist their team by being aware of internal resources, getting treatment sooner, and improving their mental health by being attentive and encouraging.
The tremendous socioeconomic changes currently taking place have altered workplace cultures and employees’ perspectives on mental health. Employers have begun to invest more, but employees have legitimately raised the bar on what they expect from them. To make improvements at the workplace, mental health culture must be altered to include more openness, compassion, and long-term approaches to problem-solving.
Blog By – Saloni Lad