Cultivating a better Work Environment for Better Mental Health

Mental health is a growing concern in today's fast-paced and demanding work environments. Stress, burnout, and other mental health issues can significantly impact an individual's wellbeing and productivity. Cultivating a positive work environment promotes mental health and overall employee satisfaction. In New Zealand, where work-related stress is prevalent, creating a supportive and healthy workplace is more important than ever.

Understanding the Impact of Work Environment on Mental Health 

The work environment plays a significant role in shaping an individual's mental health. Factors such as job demands, workload, interpersonal relationships, and organisational culture can support or undermine mental wellbeing. According to Statistics New Zealand, work-related stress is a leading cause of mental health issues in the country, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue in the workplace.

Areas of work that can impact wellbeing

	Factors to consider	Risk factors	Protective factors
Work and its  Content	·        The demands of the job ·        Access to resources and equipment ·        The physical environment ·        Opportunity to develop and use skills ·        Clear communication	·        Work overload, long hours ·        Lack of control ·        Changing from low strain to high strain job ·        Poor or deteriorating work conditions ·        Lack of variety ·        Job insecurity	·        Appropriate balance between demands and resources ·        Sufficient resources to perform work ·        Workers actively engaged with work and shaping jobs so they experience success
Relationships	·        Interactions with coworkers, supervisor and customers ·        Access to social supports ·        Work/life balance	·        Poor social support ·        Negative or high conflict interactions ·        The conflict between work roles and out-of-work roles ·        Bullying and harassment	·        Respectful and trusting relationships with supervisors, team leaders, and peers ·        Effective management of interpersonal conflict ·        Zero tolerance for bullying or harassment ·        Effort rewarded & success celebrated
Purpose and  Meaning	·        Clear work expectations ·        How a role is valued (by workers and others) ·        Work goals are worthwhile ·        Sense of progress and achievement	·        Unclear work role ·        Effort/reward imbalance ·        Low status ·        Lack of progress in the role and career	Work that contributes to: ·        Learning opportunities ·        Fair work practices ·        Environmental clarity ·        Sense of worth and value ·        Career outlook ·        Equity
Leadership,  Management  and Supervision	·        Impact of a manager on  team ·        Commitment to wellbeing ·        Fair processes and policies ·        Provision of feedback and support	·        No commitment to wellbeing ·        Lack of fairness ·        Poor communication ·        Lack of participation in decision making ·        Poor supervision and feedback	·        Worker opinions valued ·        Appropriate feedback and support provided ·        Employee growth encouraged ·        Consideration for individuals ·        Confidence in discussing mental health

Mental Health Foundation NZ

Key Elements to Creating Positive Work Environments (Mental Health Foundation NZ)

Leadership commitment: Workplace mental health is an organisational priority

·        Communicate the importance of mental wellbeing regularly.

·        Engage in two-way conversations about mental health at work.

·        Model psychologically safe and healthy behaviour.

·        Involve staff in creating and implementing wellbeing plans.

Encourage communication around mental health and wellbeing.

·        Ensure all leaders, from top management to team leaders, discuss mental health

and wellbeing.

·        Encourage two-way supportive conversations at work, including one-on-one

discussions, team discussions and when someone might be struggling.

·        Provide regular information and resources on mental health and wellbeing for

staff throughout all stages of employment.

Mental health and wellbeing policy and processes

·        Focus on how the organisation ensures a mentally safe workplace.

·        Show a commitment to strengthening staff wellbeing and resiliency.

·        Communicate what supports are available for all staff experiencing mental

health problems.

·        Ensure all other policies and processes reflect the organisation’s commitment to

being a mentally healthy workplace.

·        Ensure Health and Safety reps and critical staff are certified Mental Health First

Aiders

Check progress against wellbeing objectives

·        Include mental health and wellbeing measures in staff surveys

·        Check-in regularly on how staff feel and think about work

·        Report back on progress and celebrate successes.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment 

Employers can take several steps to create a more supportive work environment that promotes better mental health among employees. One key strategy is to foster open communication and encourage employees to voice their concerns and seek support when needed. Promptly establishing clear channels for feedback and addressing issues can help prevent minor problems from escalating into larger ones.

 Promoting Work-Life Balance 

Another crucial aspect of promoting mental health in the workplace is encouraging work-life balance. Employers can support this by offering flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to help employees better manage their personal and professional responsibilities. Employers can reduce stress and prevent burnout among their workforce by promoting a healthy balance.

Providing Mental Health Support 

Providing access to mental health support services is essential for creating a supportive work environment. Employers can offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), which provide confidential counselling and support services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges. Additionally, training managers to recognise the signs of mental health issues and providing resources for support can help create a more supportive environment.

Encouraging a Positive Organisational Culture 

A positive organisational culture that values employee wellbeing can significantly impact mental health in the workplace. Employers can promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and support where employees feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. Recognising and rewarding employees for their efforts can boost morale and create a more positive work environment.

Addressing Work-related Stress 

Work-related stress is a significant contributor to mental health issues in the workplace. Employers can take steps to identify and address sources of stress, such as excessive workloads, tight deadlines, or poor job design. Training on stress management techniques and encouraging a healthy work-life balance can help employees better cope with stress and reduce its impact on their mental health.

 Creating a better work environment for better mental health is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. By fostering open communication, promoting work-life balance, providing mental health support, and encouraging a positive organisational culture, employers can help create a workplace where mental health is valued and prioritised. By investing in their employees' mental health and wellbeing, employers can create a more productive, engaged, and resilient workforce.