Employees’ mental health is essential in today’s demanding work environment.
Distractions in someone’s mind can severely impact productivity and overall job satisfaction. Hence, prioritizing psychological well-being among employees stimulates productivity, innovation, and overall employee well-being.
In a Kapihan sa Ilocos episode of the Philippine Information Agency Region 1, Ena Rika Sanvictores, a psychometrician at the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD 1), emphasized that mental health immensely impacts one’s productivity.
“If we have a good mental health state, then everything will follow through, and we can ensure good quality work,” she said.
Sanvictores enumerated causes of stress in the workplace. It can be from excessive workload, bullying from colleagues, and vagueness in instructions.
But how do we prioritize mental well-being since there’s still a stigma in this cause?
Sanvictores said it is true that there is still stigma; however, discussing and understanding that everyone goes through different problems is a must.
How can organizations foster a harmonious workplace?
Organizations play a crucial role in promoting mental health.
By taking proactive steps, they can create a supportive and productive work environment.
Sanvictores emphasized the importance of organizational responsibility in assessing the specific needs of employees and developing strategies to support their mental well-being.
By proactively addressing mental health concerns, organizations can foster a harmonious and productive work environment.
To achieve this, organizations should implement comprehensive mental health initiatives.
These initiatives may include providing access to mental health resources, offering employee assistance programs, promoting work-life balance, and fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
By taking these steps, organizations can significantly mitigate the negative impact of stress and mental health issues on employee productivity, job satisfaction, and overall organizational performance.
What can I do as a colleague?
Stress can stem from various sources, including interpersonal relationships with colleagues.
Changes in behavior, such as decreased productivity or increased absenteeism, may indicate underlying stress or mental health issues.
Sanvictores highlighted the significance of creating a safe and supportive work environment through compassion and kindness.
By demonstrating empathy, understanding, and active listening, supportive colleagues can significantly contribute to an individual’s well-being and job satisfaction.
If a colleague confides in you, Sanvictores recommends listening attentively and empathetically, without judgment.
This will help a colleague release what’s bothering them and promote validation.
How does DOH help?
The DOH continuously provides interventions to help a mentally healthy community.
These interventions include training for Rural Health Unit (RHU) staff to help in the assessments, treatment, and management at the local levels.
DOH empowers mental health through mental health advocacy campaigns, which include lectures on mental health in the workplace.
DOH also caters to mental health concerns through the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) crisis hotline or the Tara Usap Tayo! Hotline.
The public may contact them 24/7 to provide support and address mental health concerns:
Landline: Call 1553 for free.
Cellphone: Call 02 1553, but there will be a charge per call.
Smart and TNT: Call 1800-1888-1553 with a one-time charge of P7.50 per call.
Globe and TM: Call 0966-351-4518 or 0917-899-8727 (USAP).
Sanvictores reminded the public to practice self-care to protect everyone’s well-being from stressors and mental health problems.
“Let us now prioritize mental health, and I hope that we can talk more about mental health moving forward,” she added.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to promote a healthy workplace. However, in order to further promote mental well-being in the workplace, it is also imperative to learn self-care and to set boundaries. By Rocky E. Bautista
