As we observe World Mental Health Day 2024, it is crucial to reflect on how workplaces can play a vital role in prioritising mental well-being. For too long, discussions around mental health have been covered in stigma and misconceptions, particularly in professional settings where the focus has traditionally been on productivity, meeting deadlines, and performance metrics. Many employees still struggle in silence, fearing judgement, alienation, or even career repercussions if they openly address mental health challenges.

The stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace is often rooted in long-held beliefs that equate mental health struggles with weakness or incompetence. This misunderstanding can lead to many forms of discrimination, where individuals facing anxiety, depression, or stress are seen as less capable, unfit for leadership, or unable to handle high-pressure tasks. The barriers to open conversation can create an unhealthy environment where employees feel forced to mask their struggles, often resulting in worsening mental health conditions and decreased job satisfaction.

One common scenario is where employees experience burnout but hesitate to speak up because the culture of their workplace celebrates overwork and long hours. While the organisation may reward those who push themselves relentlessly, it overlooks the fact that this unsustainable pace can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and long-term mental health issues. In such environments, seeking help or setting boundaries may be perceived as a lack of commitment, discouraging employees from taking the steps necessary to safeguard their well-being. This creates a vicious cycle where employees internalise stress, leading to decreased morale and reduced productivity, ultimately affecting the organisation as a whole.

Another significant issue is the tendency to view mental health only through a reactive lens—focusing on interventions after problems arise rather than creating preventive measures. While offering access to counselling services is essential, it is equally important to foster an environment where mental health is part of the everyday conversation. This means shifting from seeing mental health as a personal issue to recognising it as an integral aspect of workplace culture. Conversations about mental health should not be confined to crises but should be resonated in regular check-ins, team meetings, and organisational values.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace requires a collective shift in attitudes. It is about condemning judgments and assumptions, especially those that perpetuate the idea that struggling with mental health is a personal failure rather than a human experience. A major barrier to achieving this is an unspoken rule in many workplaces is that personal issues should not be brought into professional spaces. However, this separation ignores the fact that mental health does not adhere to office hours; rather it impacts every aspect of an individual’s life, including their ability to focus, engage, and perform at work.

At Equal Community Foundation, we have been striving to address these challenges by fostering a culture of openness and support. We, collectively making an effort to create a safe environment, begin with building trust. For example, during regular team meetings during a tea break or at the lunch table, we try to ensure as much as possible that mental health check-ins are a natural part of our discussions, allowing everyone to feel seen and heard. These are not forced or obligatory moments but rather incorporate such opportunities for team members to share how they are doing, whether professionally or personally. This practice helps reduce the fear of judgement and reinforces the message that mental health is as important as any other aspect of their work life.

In addition to creating a supportive dialogue, we attempt to make time to engage with our team to understand their mental health needs. Whether it might be adjusting workloads during particularly stressful periods, providing support whenever needed, or offering flexible working arrangements, we try our best to ensure that each person feels supported in their unique challenges. By taking these proactive steps, as a team, we are focused on overcoming the barriers that frequently prevent individuals from seeking help.

The journey to overcoming workplace mental health stigma is not without its challenges, but organisations must recognise the immense value in prioritising well-being. Reducing the stigma begins by acknowledging that mental health is not separate from the work we do, but rather a vital part of our ability to succeed. Open conversations, empathetic leadership, and practical support systems are necessary to rebuke the culture of silence and judgement that still lingers in many workplaces.

Organisations have the power to reverse this trend by creating environments that embrace mental health as a priority. This involves recognising the deep connections between mental health and overall work satisfaction, building spaces where employees feel valued not just for their output but for their well-being. Only then can we create workplaces that are truly inclusive, supportive, and capable of thriving in the long term. By addressing mental health challenges head-on and committing to ongoing learning and adaptation, we can open the way for healthier, more resilient work environments where every individual feels safe to be themselves.

 

Urasmita Ghosh, Communications Associate, Equal Community Foundation