Top 3 Mental Well-Being Options in the Workplace – Guest Article by Jess Levine

16/03/21

Promoting the mental or psychological well-being of employees within the workplace is quite challenging. First, there would be privacy concerns. Some employees would prefer to seek mental help privately after-work hours. But some employees would appreciate it if they have the option to seek help in the workplace—especially if they experience too much stress at home. With that said, management must be able to strike a good balance. But before anything else, let’s talk about the best therapy options that can be implemented in the workplace.

Mental Health Education and First Aid

Employees need to be properly informed about mental health first. They should be able to determine what stress, anxiety, and depression are, and what signs to look for. This way, they can assess themselves and even spot co-workers who might be needing mental help.

Promoting the mental well-being of employees is not just about therapy or counselling. It could be simple things like allotting mental health breaks or offering free massages or spa treatments every month. Sometimes, what employees need is just a little break and relaxation from pressure and stress.

Counselling

Counselling or psychotherapy sessions are helpful for employees who are suffering from anxiety or depression. In the workplace, it’s best to hire a dedicated counsellor or psychotherapist who would be available for all the employees during work hours. The therapist may be part of the office clinic where nurses and healthcare workers are always on standby.

A counsellor should act as a confidante for employees who need to unload their negative emotions. They act as listeners, and if necessary, would prescribe medications for those who need them. A counsellor or psychotherapist is also the best point person whenever programs and events are held about mental health awareness.

Companies can also hire third-party counsellors who can provide their services to their employees at any time, even after work hours. They would be outsourced therapists who will hold sessions outside the company premises.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

While counsellors and psychotherapists can help people who are suffering from anxiety or depression, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) targets people who need self-improvement.

CBT would be helpful for employees who have unresolved trauma—whether due to recent events or from their childhood—and are seeking to unlearn certain patterns in their thoughts and behaviour to improve as a person. If sessions are successful, the employee can make better personal decisions and avoid self-sabotage.

While this may not directly impact the employee’s status at work, the good results may manifest in their outlook, productivity, and attitudes towards their co-workers. In other words, CBT can help employees work more efficiently and create healthy relationships with others in the office.

Establishing An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

An EAP could consist of various services and assistance to employees, and this would include mental health services. Through EAP, employees can get help whenever they have problems at home or in their personal life.

Aside from counselling, it could offer financial aid for personal emergencies, debt management, and free legal consultations. With social assistance at its core, an EAP helps promote the well-being of every employee. Emotional support and assistance can help employees feel more at ease, and minimize the stress and anxiety that could affect their work in the company.

Jess Levine is an experienced writer who loves creating articles that can benefit others. She has worked as a freelance writer in the past making informative articles and fascinating stories. She has extensive knowledge in a variety of fields such as healthcare, technology, business, finance, marketing, personal development, and more.