World Mental Health Day: tips to support workplace wellbeing
This year’s World Mental Health Day, 10 October, focuses on the theme of prioritising mental wellbeing in the workplace, an important topic given how much work impacts our daily lives. In this article, Dr Ariele Noble, Head of Psychology Research and Commissioned Training at Mental Health Innovations (the charity that powers Shout and The Mix) provides tips on how you can support your own wellbeing at work.
Take a break
Carving some time out in the day to step away from your work can help you feel more energised throughout the day. Proper time to eat, grab a drink and take some time for yourself can help support your wellbeing. If you don’t feel you can take a longer break, scheduling time to make a drink and step away for a few minutes can also help, or try getting some fresh air before your shift begins.
Seek connection
This is especially important if you’re working in a remote role or in one where you don’t see other people regularly. Taking the time to connect with colleagues will help maintain good mental wellbeing. It might be asking someone how their weekend was, seeking input into something you’re working on or setting up a social group at work. The chances are other people will be seeking moments of connection throughout their day too.
Organise your mind
At times when you’re feeling overwhelmed, staying organised is a key way to help calm your mind. It may feel like the last thing you have time for, but the simple act of making a to-do list at the start of the day can help you feel more in control and break down the tasks that might be overwhelming you.
Set clear boundaries
Work can easily end up creeping into your home life too. It might be that you regularly find yourself working overtime, or that you’re bringing your work home with you. While this happens to most people some of the time, it’s important to check in and ensure this isn’t becoming a regular occurrence for you.
Find the things that bring you joy
While we all have to fulfil our roles and responsibilities, there are naturally going to be projects or tasks that we find bring us more joy than others. If there are moments in your day that you can work on something that sparks your creativity or fills your cup, carving some time out for these tasks can be a good way to ensure you’re boosting your wellbeing
Talk to someone
There will be times when work can get on top of you, or something in your personal life might impact how you’re feeling during your working day. Talking to someone at work who you trust can help give you the support you need, rather than facing your problems alone. This could be your manager, HR, a colleague or a Mental Health First Aider at work if your organisation has one. Some employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes, which have confidential helplines too.
Starting a conversation about your mental health with an employer can be daunting, you may have concerns about confidentiality or that it might impact on your progression. It’s worth remembering that employers do have a duty of care to protect and support the mental health of employees, including making sure the work environment is safe and there are clear channels for employees to raise any concerns.
If you don’t feel that you can talk to someone at work, there are other support services available to help you cope with how you are feeling. You can text Shout to 85258 to talk to a trained volunteer, in confidence and anonymously, 24/7. Or if you are aged 25 and under, you can visit themix.org.uk to get advice and tips on looking after your mental health.
Other organisations such as Mind have specific information on talking to your employer about your mental health too.
