Mental Health: It’s Your Job!

by Kendra Hughson | Dec 6, 2024

We spend a considerable amount of time at work. Often, we spend more time with our co-workers than we do our own families. Fostering a workplace that promotes positive mental health is good for everyone. A positive work environment enhances productivity, job satisfaction, and overall employee well-being. While management and organizational policies play a significant role, contributing to a positive workplace culture is everyone’s job. Here’s how employees at any level can make a difference.

1. Practice Open Communication

Open communication builds trust and fosters a culture of transparency. Employees can encourage a positive work environment by sharing ideas, voicing concerns respectfully, and providing constructive feedback. Listening actively to colleagues without interrupting or judging helps build mutual respect and makes everyone feel valued.

Tips to practice open communication:

• Share ideas or concerns in team meetings.
• Approach colleagues directly with questions or concerns instead of relying on assumptions.
• Use tools like Slack or email to keep teams updated, but also recognize the value of face-to-face interactions for more sensitive conversations.

2. Show Appreciation and Recognition

Small gestures of appreciation can make a big difference in the workplace. Recognizing a coworker’s hard work or saying “thank you” for assistance fosters a sense of belonging. This builds morale and encourages others to acknowledge each other, creating a supportive environment.

Ways to show appreciation:

• Give a shoutout during meetings for colleagues who went above and beyond.
• Send a quick thank-you email or message to someone who helped you with a task.
• Celebrate team achievements, whether small or big.

3. Be Respectful and Inclusive

Respect and inclusivity are fundamental to a positive work environment. This means treating everyone with courtesy, considering others’ perspectives, and avoiding behaviors that could alienate colleagues. A respectful environment allows people to feel safe to express their ideas and be themselves.

How to promote respect and inclusivity:

• Avoid interrupting colleagues during discussions.
• Respect time boundaries and avoid unnecessary after-hours communication.
• Include others in discussions and decision-making whenever possible.
• Be open-minded and considerate of others’ ideas and backgrounds.

4. Take Responsibility and Practice Accountability

Accountability is key to building trust within teams. By taking responsibility for their actions and learning from mistakes, employees contribute to a culture of honesty and reliability. When everyone holds themselves accountable, it minimizes blame-shifting and encourages collective problem-solving.

Ways to practice accountability:

• Own up to mistakes quickly and discuss how to avoid them in the future.
• Set realistic deadlines and follow through with commitments.
• Ask for help or clarification if you’re unsure about something.

5. Collaborate and Encourage Teamwork

Teamwork is essential for creating a positive work environment where people feel connected. Collaboration helps foster a sense of community and shared purpose. It allows employees to leverage each other’s strengths and learn from diverse perspectives.

How to promote teamwork:

• Be willing to help team members who may need support.
• Participate actively in team projects and brainstorming sessions.
• Celebrate shared successes and acknowledge each team member’s contributions.
• Offer guidance to new employees or those adjusting to a role.

6. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Just as negativity can spread quickly, a positive attitude is also infectious. When employees focus on solutions instead of dwelling on problems, it improves the morale of the whole team. A positive attitude, especially during challenging times, can inspire others to stay motivated.

Tips for maintaining a positive attitude:

When employees are struggling with their mental health, it can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased morale, and lower job satisfaction. Photo Credit: Kendra Hughson

• Practice gratitude by focusing on what’s going well each day.
• Take breaks to recharge and stay mentally refreshed.
• Offer encouragement and motivational words to colleagues.

7. Set Healthy Boundaries

Healthy boundaries prevent burnout and maintain a work-life balance, which ultimately contributes to a happier and more productive workforce. By respecting both their own and others’ boundaries, employees help create a sustainable and positive work environment.

Strategies for setting boundaries:

• Avoid checking work emails or messages outside of work hours whenever possible.
• Politely decline additional tasks if your workload is full.
• Respect colleagues’ boundaries by scheduling meetings within core work hours.

8. Participate in Team-Building Activities

Team-building activities help employees get to know each other and build trust outside regular work tasks. Taking part in these activities can boost morale and create bonds, leading to a more cohesive and positive workplace.

Ideas for team-building:

• Participate in organized events like team lunches, outings, or volunteer days.
• Engage in virtual games or icebreakers in remote or hybrid settings.
• Suggest occasional fun activities or breaks, like coffee chats or themed lunches.

9. Prioritize Professional Growth

A positive work environment is one where employees feel they can grow and improve. By seeking opportunities to learn and develop, employees contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, which can inspire others as well.

Ways to prioritize growth:

• Attend workshops, webinars, or training sessions.
• Seek feedback from peers and managers to improve skills.
• Share knowledge with colleagues to create a collaborative learning culture.

10. Be Mindful of Workplace Culture

Every workplace has a unique culture, and understanding it helps employees interact effectively and contribute positively. Being mindful of organizational values, norms, and unwritten rules can help employees align with and positively influence the workplace culture.

Tips for understanding workplace culture:

• Observe how communication happens within the team (formal vs. informal).
• Engage in onboarding or mentorship programs that introduce new hires to the culture.
• Contribute ideas in line with the organization’s goals and mission.

Conclusion

Building a positive work environment is everyone’s job. By focusing on open communication, respect, appreciation, accountability, and a collaborative mindset, employees can foster a culture of positivity and inclusion. Small, consistent actions make a big difference in creating a supportive, enjoyable, and productive workplace for everyone.

Source: ChatGPT

During the preparation of this work the author used ChatGPT to compile information about mental health in the workplace. After using this tool/service, the author reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.