Mental Health is Wealth

“Mental wellbeing is one of the most valuable business assets – like any asset it can be developed, maintained or neglected.”

Some work environments can have a negative impact on an employee’s mental health.  Business owners have a legal responsibility under the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 to manage risks to mental health and wellbeing, just like they do any other physical health and safety risk.

Any one of your employees may experience stress, anxiety, and depression at some time in their lives.  There are small but helpful actions that your business can do to support your employees to build resilience and have positive mental health.  These in turn can lead to the creation of a mentally healthy workplace which reduces absenteeism, enhances engagement, and improves productivity.

Research shows that there are five simple actions that can be included as part of daily life – at work and at home – to build resilience, boost wellbeing and lower the risk of developing mental health problems.

These simple actions are known internationally as the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

·       CONNECT – Talk, listen, be there, feel connected.

·       KEEP LEARNING – Embrace new experiences, see opportunities, surprise yourself.

·       GIVE – Your time, your words, your presence.

·       TAKE NOTICE – Remember the simple things that give you joy.

·       BE ACTIVE – Do what you can, enjoy what you do, move your mood.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to workplace wellbeing.  Every workplace is unique, and any wellbeing program should be tailored to suit the business and the available resources.

The role of leadership in a business is critical to a healthy workplace and a successful Wellbeing program.  Business owners are encouraged to create a culture of wellbeing, listening, setting expectations, and leading by example ‘Walking the Talk’. 

Perhaps your business could consider adopting the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  Doing this does not have to be a costly or cumbersome exercise.  Start small, make it fun and interactive, talk to your employees about how they could build the ‘Five Ways’ into their day.  There are many free resources and suggested activities online, including material to support communication to your team about the introduction of the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  https://mentalhealth.org.nz/five-ways-to-wellbeing

When measuring the success of any Wellbeing program, it is important to establish a baseline so you can then measure the extent your employees changed their behaviours through introducing the ‘Five Ways’.

Always remember to ‘Celebrate the successes’ no matter how small they might be.

For assistance in creating an awesome workplace culture, or for other HR or Health and Safety advice, get in touch with a member of the SBS Team.  Freephone 0508 424 723 or visit www.safebusiness.co.nz