Mental Health & Wellbeing Tips: How can you make your office environment more open and supportive in terms of mental health?

There are lots of things that firms can be taken to make the office environment more open and supportive in terms of mental health.

Here are some examples:

• Encourage open communication and create a safe space for employees to share their concerns and struggles without fear of judgment or retribution. The partners and senior employees should lead by example. Showing some vulnerability themselves is key. If they are finding things tough and say so, this opens the way for others to speak up too. Leaders being open about their own mental health conditions can be transformative in terms of how people feel about coming forward themselves.

• Offer resources and support for employees who are struggling with mental health issues. This can include things such as access to a employee assistance program, counselling services, or mental health days. Your benefit package for your employees should include mental health and all information, support and resources should be easily accessible to them. Many firms put the mental health resources clearly on their intranet home page.

• Foster a culture of work-life balance. Firms should promote work/life balance and encourage employees to prioritise their well-being by taking breaks, participating in activities that promote mental health, and setting boundaries around work. Flexible working policies and Holiday Policies can also be used to help create a good work-life balance culture. You might also consider offering employees Wellbeing Days.

• Ensure that the physical environment is conducive to mental health. A workplace survey can help with identifying issues, but at minimum you should ensure there is access to natural light, good lighting, plants, and other calming elements.

• Provide opportunities for social connection and support. This might include things such as team-building activities and opportunities to connect with co-workers outside of work.

• Providing opportunities for relaxation and stress relief, such as quiet spaces or stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation. Where possible your office should also have a wellbeing space / room where people can go for some quiet time.

• Encouraging physical activity and healthy habits. Firms can support this by providing benefits and access to fitness facilities or promoting healthy eating options.

• Educate employees and partners about mental health and promote a culture of understanding and acceptance. Internal networks within your firm should be encouraged to hold events and support groups for promoting good mental health and providing support to employees. Here are some examples of events that you might want organise.

• Train partners and managers/supervisors to recognise and address the signs of mental health issues in their teams and provide support as needed. A basic level of training about mental health and poor health is crucial. All managers should go through this, rolling out to the entire workforce where possible. You should also consider training some specific Mental Health First Aiders to provide additional support throughout the firm.

• Be Proactive. Actively work to improve your approach to mental health and track your progress: For example, you could participate in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index. This is a benchmark of best policy and practice. It will help you find out where you are doing well and where you could improve your approach to mental health in the workplace.

Learn more about mental health and wellbeing here and read our Quick Tips Series here.