Page 19 - IFV Issue 1 2023

Health & Wellness

on paper, and making a physical and the working environment caters for
permanent visual to-do-list that you this.
can work through systematically, one 3. Being a mental health advocate:
item at a time, can really help improve Managers tend to model the
your focus and productivity and reduce behaviour they wish to see in their
the feeling of being overwhelmed and organisation when it comes to
disorganised. working hard and being honest and
punctual, so why not make space for
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF AN mental health too? By going first and
EMPLOYER addressing your own mental health
Providing the right support for issues, you make it possible for others
employees who suffer from mental to also take the first step.
health issues is important for businesses 4. Learning to recognise and
of all shapes and sizes. There is plenty of acknowledge the needs of
research that shows that poor mental your team: Often our real needs
health can lead to a whole host of issues hide behind our complaints and
in the workplace, such as decreased frustrations. Listening more closely
productivity, unhealthy working can be a huge help in identifying the
relationships between colleagues and needs and cries for help behind the
increased sick-related absenteeism. It words.
can also greatly compromise workplace 5. Consider coaching support:
safety. There are organisations, like We
Visser urges all business owners and Do Change, that can help your
organisations to implement proactive team navigate and manage their
mental health support by: interpersonal relationships and
1. Breaking the stigma surrounding improve their ways of working for the
mental health: Everyone needs to better. Extra coaching can do wonders
know that it is ok, not to feel ok. in encouraging personal growth
2. Creating a safe working space: and enhancing team productivity.
It’s scary to open up, to share your It’s also great for boosting morale
feelings and talk about something and improving general employee
that is personal to you as it makes wellness.
you feel vulnerable. Employees need To read more about WE DO CHANGE
to feel comfortable to talk about their or to engage with one of their experts
mental health, feel supported and visit: www.wedochange.io or email:
know how to ask for help, so ensure info@wedochange.io

The Villager • Issue 1 2023 • 17