There is a growing discussion and awareness today regarding mental health, more so than in the past, but it is still not sufficient. Discussing a damaged leg, knee, or other surgeries involving different parts of the body is not particularly taboo, and many openly share their experiences, traumas, and injuries. Mental health, depression, and anxiety are not discussed as openly, and there is a tendency to speak quietly about these issues.
You, as the employer, have the responsibility to ensure that your employees are well and to promote a healthy work environment. If an individual falls ill due to mental health issues, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the employee receives the right assistance and guidance in work methods and approaches. One-fifth, approximately 20 percent, of Sweden’s workforce suffers from some form of mental health issue.
As an employer, you can show empathy by asking the person if you notice that they don’t seem to be well. You do this by being attentive and building trust with the individual. Communication is key in many different contexts. If the employer and employee communicate about the employee’s situation regarding mental health, it can be a significant step forward. Everyone is different and functions differently, and we must take that into account. It takes a certain courage to open up and share about one’s well-being.
How do you, as an employer, notice signs of mental health issues in your employees early on?
It is not always easy to detect mental health issues in time, as some individuals tend to be adept at hiding their well-being. Mental health is a sensitive subject that requires attention in the workplace with a respectful and sensitive strategy. Some signs that may indicate mental health issues include increased absenteeism, low mood, or a noticeable decline in work performance.
A person who is usually very extroverted and energetic may become increasingly isolated, withdraw, or appear tired, which could be a sign that something is amiss.
How can you, as a manager, draw attention to mental health issues among your employees?
Good communication – Encourage your employees to openly discuss their experiences with mental health. Create a culture where it is acceptable to talk about mental health and mental health issues.
Trust – First and foremost, it is important for your employees to feel trusted by their employer. Trust is crucial. If an employee does not trust their immediate supervisor, they will not feel comfortable opening up about their problems to that person.
Leadership engagement – Both leaders and managers should openly discuss mental health. Everyone has different experiences, and by sharing them openly, it can encourage more people to open up about their well-being. It is important to emphasize the importance of balancing work and personal life to both feel good and perform well.
Health Awareness Campaigns – Initiate awareness campaigns on health at relevant times to highlight health issues and create awareness of how your health affects you mentally and physically in everyday life. Through internal communication channels, you can easily reach your employees through newsletters, emails, or intranet.
Regular follow-ups – Having regular meetings, one-on-one sessions with your employees is beneficial. It helps managers/leaders build trust with their employees. It’s also an opportunity to discuss what is working well, what could be improved, or if there is a desire for further development and how that can be achieved.
Provide resources – Share information with your employees regarding exercise and health. If the company offers workout sessions for employees at a gym or other training events, be clear in providing information to everyone in the organization. It should be easy to find information and convenient to sign up. Additionally, the organization can share articles, books, or online courses for a deeper understanding and better information on health.
Training and workshops – Organize workshops on health and mental health. To increase understanding of health among employees, it may be a good idea to invite professional speakers to educate them about common mental health issues and how to seek support.
