- Group Insurance Commission
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Globally, stress and burnout among workers are on the rise. Understanding your need for well-being support doesn’t pause when the workday starts. Let’s take a look at 4 ways you can help make your workplace mentally healthier for you and your colleagues.
1) Nurture – and live – respect
Take time to reflect on how you interact with co-workers, and consider ways to help make the culture warmer and more inclusive. It might be as simple as greeting someone in the morning or checking in to ask how their day is going. It could also mean speaking up to support mental health awareness and help break stigma.
It's also helpful to regularly check in with yourself and consider how your communication style and behavior may affect your team members.
- Are you modeling healthy behaviors — like taking breaks, leaving on time, asking for help or delegating as needed?
- Do you show respect in your everyday interactions?
- Are you being fair?
A little self-awareness can go a long way in fostering a more respectful, supportive culture.
2) Own your path
In the workplace — and in life — it can be easy to get caught up in comparing yourself with others. A good example is seeing a co-worker get promoted can trigger feelings of being left behind or overlooked. It’s important to remember everyone is on their own professional journey, and progress isn’t always linear. Be proud of your own strengths and achievements.
At the same time, take stock of the situation. Reflect on your recent accomplishments, the feedback you’ve received and whether your work positions you for a higher-level role. In some cases, the promoted person may have had different responsibilities, visibility or qualifications. In others, you may have genuinely been overlooked.
Either way, you can advocate for yourself. Talk to your manager about your performance and goals. Ask what steps you can take to move toward a promotion. Once they know you’re engaged and motivated, they may be more inclined to help you get there.
3) Make it OK to ask for support
At work and in life, things don’t always go the way we hope. Sometimes, we can get through a tough time or an ongoing challenge more easily with help. And when we do reach out, it supports our own well-being and can help foster a more open, compassionate workplace culture.
If you’re facing a personal or work-related challenge, consider talking to a trusted colleague or manager, especially if it’s affecting your work performance or focus.
A close colleague can offer support and give you the opportunity to vent your frustrations or difficulties. Because they understand the work environment and culture, they might also provide a helpful perspective on how to navigate the situation. Sharing with a manager, meanwhile, can lead to practical support — like adjusting your workload or offering more flexibility.
4) Take care of yourself
Taking good care of your health and well-being can help you face life’s challenges more readily. Staying active, getting enough quality sleep, eating nourishing foods, practicing gratitude and making time to relax are all important self-care habits. They support your physical and mental health, helping you feel more energetic, focused and capable.
Practicing self-care also benefits your body at a deeper level, supporting the natural hormonal and cellular processes involved in recovery and restoration.
When you prioritize your well-being, you’re better equipped to show up for others, stay productive, and contribute to a kind, respectful and supportive workplace.
On World Mental Health Day — and every day — take care of yourself and look out for your colleagues, too.
