The importance of creating a better workplace for employees' mental health
You know when the employees are happy, it’s when they have a great workplace. Why would you want to improve mental health in the workplace? Happy employees mean better work performance, and better work performance means your business will be able to flourish.
But how can you ensure that your employees have optimal mental health whilst working for your company?
To work in a better environment, you will want to create a better workplace. One way of doing that is by trying to improve your office and optimize employees' mental health. Not only is your office an aesthetic space. It should also be pleasing to the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth - and of course the brain. A good workplace not only helps your employees be happy and at ease, but it is also essential for their optimal mental health. When you have open doors and have people collaborating together, it creates a more enthusiastic workplace. If they are able to speak to someone they don’t feel comfortable with. This then creates a supportive and considerate environment.
Personalizing your workplace allows your employees to have optimal mental health. You can do this by
- Creating different areas in your office space for different activities
- Catering to different people’s needs
- Promoting diversity and equality
So let’s now dive deeper into these points.
Creating different areas in your office space for different activities to improve your employees' mental health
Unispace methodology called this a ‘Propeller workplace”. As mentioned in a session we had back in November 2020 with Charlotte Moon-West. This helps to improve mental health in the workplace
You don't need to have an open-plan office space if your company is only small. Instead, create different areas in your office space for different activities. Each area should have a purpose. However, it should allow easy flow between them. This is so that all aspects of the workplace are accounted for. This will help to create a more positive experience for everyone involved.
Having different areas allows employees to take control of what they want to do at work. Whether they want to work collaboratively with other employees by having a group table. You can also have a room where the desks are separated. This then allows the individual to feel comfortable in talking to someone if they need help with a project.
Community Area
As mentioned in the session with Charlotte Moon-West another area of the workplace could be having a community area. This would include a canteen or break room. Also a relaxation zone such as a garden or any other outside area would be beneficial to employees. This way people can use these areas throughout the day. This allows them to change settings and have versatility in their work environment.
Exercising
Another area of the workplace could be an area for exercising. Whether it be to go on the treadmill or do some yoga. This space would enable them to exercise their body and brain. Leading them to be more productive when continuing with their work. Everyone knows that exercise releases endorphin. This reduces stress, boosts energy, and increases concentration. And what’s the most common excuse for not doing exercise? Not having enough time. However, if you as an employer supply the space and the equipment then they have no excuse. They can do it before work, during work breaks, and after work. This then leads to having fewer people off work with sickness.
Catering to different people’s needs
One way to improve mental health in the workplace is to cater to different people's needs. You can do this by creating an environment where employees' preferences are being considered. You can do this by asking for input from employees. This may be about what they like and dislike about the current office environment. This will give you valuable insight into what changes could be made. Once you have that information, it's time to start making improvements.
Here are some tips for creating a better workplace for all of your employees:
Keep in mind that different age groups need different things from their workplace. Younger workers might want to spend all day at the office. On the other hand, older workers want more time at home with their families. If possible, try implementing policies that accommodate both demographics. For example, consider offering flexible hours or remote working options as well as regular full-time jobs. This will allow everyone to get the most out of their day.
Promoting diversity and equality to improve your employees' mental health
A diverse and inclusive workplace helps foster a feeling of safety, which is key to improving mental health in the workplace. Research shows that diversity promotes psychological safety by creating a sense of belonging and purpose. This helps people feel motivated to put forth their best efforts at work. Additionally, employees who feel supported are more likely to take risks. Also, ensure a quality product and service delivery, and increase innovation and creativity in their work.
Workers should also be able to express their individuality through clothes, accessories, etc. Of course, while still conforming to any dress codes established by the company.
Also promoting gender equality. Gender equality doesn't just benefit women – it's also good for business. By encouraging women to take on leadership roles and offering support when they do. This will allow organizations to make better use of their skills. They will also gain greater profits and create a more equal society. Take action against discrimination. Positive changes can be made by promoting diversity among employees.
Make sure your workplace is a welcoming place for everyone. This means that people feel safe and supported. Not only physically but also emotionally this will optimize your employee’s mental health. When you create a diverse workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, fewer, and heard. You will see an increase in employee morale and productivity.
Conclusion
How you deal with your employees' mental health is just as important as how you deal with their physical health. Ultimately, creating a workplace that is beneficial to all of your employees. Then allows optimization not only for certain employees’ but also for your business’ mental health. A better workplace leads to more satisfied employees, which will lead to better work performance.
Want to dive deeper into the topic of mental health? We also wrote another blog about looking after your employees' happiness and mental health.
