Supporting our employees and co-workers with their mental wellbeing by creating a positive and healthy work environment
Prioritising mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is now more important than ever.
With an increased awareness around mental health in the post-pandemic world, employers should make every effort to create a positive, healthy work environment for their employees to thrive.
Isolation and loneliness
The rise of remote-working has become a solution for many people around the world, however studies have shown that it can result in increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. According to a survey conducted by workplace scientist Nicola Hemmings, “81% of under-35s feared loneliness from long-term home working, and studies have shown heightened levels of stress and anxiety among younger workers since the shift to remote work” (bbc.com, 2022). Although working remotely works for some, it can also make employees feel less connected and limits their daily social-interactions.
What you can do to improve mental health in the workplace
At Found, we want to ensure that our workplace is a space that benefits our wellbeing and connects us as a team. Here are a few things that you can do in the office to help your employees feel their best, both physically and mentally…
1. Open the conversation and offer support
Perhaps the most important element of improving mental wellbeing in the workplace is encouraging open conversations. Using a top-down approach, by means of 121 line management or group meetings, ensures that employees feel supported and comfortable to talk openly about work-related stress or topics outside of work.
2. Breakout spaces
Whether it’s a lounge area, terrace, dining table, a meeting room or a bar, breakout spaces are crucial for employees to move around instead of sitting at their desks all day. These spaces allow moments to relax, take a lunch break, and offer a change of scenery to support interaction and socialising amongst co-workers.
3. Make your office space fun and playful!
Having interactive features in your office cultivates a lively environment and motivates employees to take quick, fun breaks during their work day. A firm favourite in our office is the golf-putting mat!
Employees are a company’s most valuable resource and their needs should be prioritised in the workplace. Now more than ever, it’s important for employers to do everything they can to help their employees feel supported and encouraged to improve their mental health at work.
If you're looking to improve your workspace to benefit the mental wellbeing of your employees, get in touch with us.
