Page 37 - Waterfall City Issue 1 2023

processes. Even the smallest of distractions like receiving
a text, email or meeting request and even the mere
thought of multitasking can negatively play on our mental
health, creating what is often referred to as scattered brain
syndrome or attention deficit disorder.

This essentially means that distractions make it difficult
for us to stay in the present moment, to concentrate or to
switch off. Taking small steps like silencing the notifications
on your device, journaling your feelings on paper, and
making a physical and permanent visual to-do-list that you
can work through systematically, one item at a time, can
really help improve your focus and productivity and reduce
the feeling of being overwhelmed and disorganised.

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF AN EMPLOYER
Providing the right support for employees who suffer from
mental health issues is important for businesses of all shapes
and sizes. There is plenty of research that shows that poor
mental health can lead to a whole host of issues in the
workplace, such as decreased productivity, unhealthy working
relationships between colleagues and increased sick-related
absenteeism. It can also greatly compromise workplace safety.

Visser urges all business owners and organisations to
implement proactive mental health support by:
1. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health:
Everyone needs to know that it is ok, not to feel ok.
2. Creating a safe working space: It’s scary to open
up, to share your feelings and talk about something
that is personal to you as it makes you feel vulnerable.
Employees need to feel comfortable to talk about their
mental health, feel supported and know how to ask for
help, so ensure the working environment caters for this.
3. Being a mental health advocate: Managers tend to model
the behaviour they wish to see in their organisation when it
comes to working hard and being honest and punctual, so
why not making space for mental health too? By going first
and addressing your own mental health issues, you make it
possible for others to also take the first step.
4. Learning to recognise and acknowledge the needs of
your team: Often our real needs hide behind our complaints
and frustrations. Listening more closely can be a huge help in
identifying the needs and cries for help behind the words.
5. Consider coaching support: There are organisations,
like We Do Change, that can help your team navigate and
manage their interpersonal relationships and improve
their ways of working for the better. Extra coaching can do
wonders in encouraging personal growth and enhancing
team productivity. It’s also great for boosting morale and
improving general employee wellness.

To read more about WE DO CHANGE or to engage with
one of their experts visit: www.wedochange.io or email:
info@wedochange.io

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