Despite the strides being made to create mental health awareness, some people still believe that they will be stigmatized at work when they talk about their mental health issues. Mental illnesses if unaddressed at the workplace are likely to negatively affect productivity and work relationships. According to a report by Oracle, 76% of global workers believe that employers should do more to support the mental health of employees.
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Poor mental health can negatively affect job productivity and jeopardize work relationships. Mental illnesses such as depression reduce one's ability to perform physical tasks by 20%. This may make persons having mental illnesses to refrain from sharing their struggles at work. However, there exist mechanisms that you can use to detect signs of mental illness at work.
This course on Fuzu How to Spot Mental Health Issues at Work and Offer Support will guide you on how to identify, guide, and offer support to an employee who is going through a mental health challenge. Aside from that, employers should consider having a wellness center within the organizations or have mental wellness sessions as a team.
However, in scenarios where mental wellness is not talked about, how can you talk with your boss about your mental health?
1. Give your boss the benefit of doubt
Do not write off your boss before trying. They may be more receptive and supportive than you would imagine. Therefore, try to approach them with the issue and see how they respond to it. Having dialogue as a conversation starter will enable you to gauge their reaction. Approach your boss and explain to them why your mental health is key to your productivity and should be made a priority.
2. Consult your HR
The human resource department does not exist in an organization just to fire and hire staff. On the contrary, they exist to foster good relationships between employers and employees. The first person that you might want to talk to is HR. Moreover, HR might be more approachable than your boss.
In addition, having a work buddy who understands the work environment and your workload may be helpful.
3. Think about the reason for disclosing the information
Before you have a chat with your boss, understand why you are doing this. Hold the information until you have a clear goal of relaying your condition to the boss. What kind of support do you aim to get? Fewer responsibilities? Flexible schedules and deadlines? Make sure that you have gone through the company’s HR policies. You may not have a clear reason lined out, especially if it’s your first time dealing with a mental health challenge.
4. Choose the right moment and place
Find the right time and place to approach your boss. Doing so on a hectic and stressful day may not give you the desired outcome. Instead, find a calm day at the office to approach your manager. You could also suggest taking a walk or meeting somewhere else if the office environment is not conducive. During your conversation, be clear and precise in explaining why mental wellness should be given a priority in the organization. Drive the conversation towards how the organization’s policies should be structured to give support to those struggling with mental illness.
5. Create Awareness
You do not have to be struggling with mental illness to create awareness about it. Share positive messages on mental illness amongst your circles at work and at your social networks. Be an advocate of mental wellness by sharing information and courses with everyone without the limitation or the fear that one might be your boss.
Conclusion
It is our hope that companies and employers will create an environment for their employees to discuss mental health problems without fear of stigmatization, firing, or write-off from promotions. When employees are free to talk about their mental health struggles, it improves their productivity at work.
