Employee demands for strengthened mental health and wellbeing support within the workplace had been steadily increasing even before the recent succession of crises. This pre-existing trend has now acquired greater urgency amidst employee experiences of burnout and crisis fatigue. Blue Monday offers a timely opportunity for organizations to assess and strengthen workplace mental health initiatives. When employees feel supported and empowered to take care of their mental health, they are likely to be more engaged, focused, and able to excel in their roles. Organizations that recognize this and prioritize cultivating psychosocially safe work environments – from providing stress management workshops to flexible work arrangements are not just doing the right thing, they are also making a strategic investment in their workforce’s potential.”
International SOS urges organizations to take action and implement proactive strategies to prevent burnout and combat crisis fatigue in the workplace:
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Create an emotionally open culture and encourage open communication: provide a safe space for employees to talk about their mental health and wellbeing. Encourage them to speak up if they are feeling overwhelmed or struggling.
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Provide flexibility and promote work-life balance: support flexible working arrangements that help employees balance their work and personal lives. Promote regular breaks and empower employees to prioritize their well-being.
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Invest in emotional wellbeing: provide access to mindfulness sessions and stress management training. Partner with certified mental health professionals to offer confidential counseling and support services.
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Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs): consider providing support such as financial counseling services or benefits consultations to address anxieties surrounding economic uncertainties.
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Equip managers with mental health first-aid training: upskill managers to identify signs of distress and offer initial support to employees who may be struggling.
Community Manager.