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The importance of mental health has come to the fore in the post-pandemic era, with South Africans becoming more forthright in asserting the importance of their mental wellbeing, particularly in the workplace. The cost of mental illness is not only borne by the individual but is shouldered on a macro-economic level as well. Unaddressed mental health conditions cost the South African economy an estimated R161 billion per year, due to lost workdays caused by illness, presenteeism (being physically at work but mentally checked out or unproductive), and in extreme cases, premature mortality. It is now more crucial than ever for employers to prioritize the mental wellbeing of their employees. Here’s how:
Raise awareness, but don’t stop there
A common gripe of employees is that their employers’ mental health advocacy starts and stops with raising awareness. While it is important for employers to inform their workers on things like global mental health calendar days or the signs of illnesses like anxiety or burnout, to employees, this doesn’t go far enough. “Awareness raising without action can be perceived as mere lip-service,” says Madelein Barkhuizen, Executive Manager: Sales & Marketing. “Employees today, especially those of the Gen-Z generation, want to work for businesses that walk the talk when it comes to promoting employee wellbeing. For many businesses, the question then becomes – how do we do this?”.
Flexibility is the key to stability
Workplace flexibility can be a useful first step in positively impacting employee wellbeing. “Offering employees flexible working hours not only promotes a healthier work-life balance but can have a major positive ripple effect on reducing stress and mental strain from juggling home and work priorities,” notes Barkhuizen. Promoting flexibility in the workplace can be as simple as implementing a hybrid working policy where employees can work from home a few days a week or instituting an adjustable schedule policy, where staff can begin or end work earlier or later to align with their personal schedules. Supporting employees to better manage their professional and personal responsibilities can not only improve worker mental health but boost job satisfaction and retention rates – a win-win all around.
Take advantage of technology
From smart watches to apps, technology is increasingly being used by South Africans to manage both their physical and mental health. Employers should proactively inform their staff about health management tools that are available to them, especially those accessible through their medical aid schemes. “With our eye on changing consumer behaviour, Bestmed has launched an app that enables our members to proactively manage their health, including their mental wellbeing,” says Barkhuizen. “The app contains a programme called Your Emotional Wellbeing Journey that provides users access to actionable information on how to deal with life’s curveballs, and practical challenges to exercise the new skills you have acquired to progress from your current emotional and mental state to your desired one”.
Discourage a culture of overworking
Burnout can often be attributed, in part, to a culture of workaholism. It becomes difficult for employees to veer away from this norm when this is how their colleagues and superiors are working. To tackle this, employers could implement policies discouraging employees from checking emails after hours or working on leave. Managers can also lead by example by taking their lunch breaks and using their leave days regularly, and encouraging their teams to follow suit. Efforts like this assist in fostering a culture where overworking oneself is not the norm. Preventing burnout is crucial to supporting employee morale and maintaining productivity.
Small changes, big impact
Businesses don’t need to make massive changes to have a positive impact on their employees’ mental health. Something as simple as regular check-ins or holding a training on stress management can go a long way towards nurturing employee mental health and resilience. “Businesses should be investing in cultivating resilient employees with coping mechanisms to effectively deal with work stressors, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In doing so, employers will find that they have produced a healthier and more engaged team, ultimately boosting productivity and job satisfaction,” concludes Barkhuizen.
With that being said, it is crucial for businesses and employees to work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations and meaningful action in the workplace.