HR professionals play the most vital role in organizations - finding the right talent, keeping the organizations’ culture alive, just to name a few. Yet, perhaps the most important role HRs play is ensuring the emotional and mental well-being of employees is at its best by supporting them through their challenges. Safe to say they are our everyday heroes, don’t you agree?
However, while there is a growing awareness around mental health issues, a lot still needs to be done in understanding the role of leadership and management in promoting good mental health at work.
To mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we had a chat with Pamela Rynell, VP of People Safeboda. Here are her insights on common stressors in the workplace and why she believes leaders play a critical role in managing mental health.
What’s the role of HR when it comes to mental health?
The holistic wellness of employees does fall within the remit of HR, however, policies and roles vary greatly depending on the company or organizational culture. In general, HR has an important role to play in ensuring employees are aware of the importance of mental health and advised on how to maintain their mental health. Lastly, HR can play a vital role in noticing the early signs and flagging situations where there is a drop in the health and well-being of employees.
What are some of the common causes of stress or concern for employees?
High or unrealistic demands for delivery, unclear management roles and responsibilities and lack of positive reinforcement are very common causes of stress and general unhappiness in the workplace.
What role would you say professionals play in creating healthy working environments?
Key leadership qualities certainly include role modeling and exemplary healthy working habits. Further to this, professionals play a very important role in safeguarding their employees' health by taking the time to check-in and notice any behavioral changes regularly to prevent a situation from becoming chronic.
What are the 3 top tips for managing personal mental health at work?
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Open up. A problem shared is a problem half solved, so the saying goes
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Pay attention to your work-life balance. Work smart not hard
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Know how, when and who to say ‘No’ to. Don't let others pile their problems or tasks on your shoulders.
If an employee realizes that they are struggling with their mental health, what practical steps should they take to address this in the workplace?
This varies from workplace to workplace and many people are concerned about the stigma surrounding less than perfect health and how it may affect their job security. However, as a general rule the first step would be to reach out to someone you feel comfortable talking to, a colleague or your line manager. The next step would be to approach HR for guidance and support. Being open and honest about the situation allows others to support you and also gives courage to colleagues who may be suffering in silence.