Did you know that around 60% of employees have experienced at least one mental health challenge in their lives? These employees are four times more likely to want to leave their organization.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace is an incredibly timely and important topic, especially in India. According to a Deloitte study, the workplace was a top stressor for employees, with 47% of affected respondents experiencing workplace-related stress.

The World Health Organization estimates that in India, the burden of mental health problems generates 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. Also, one in 20 individuals suffers from depression, out of which 39% suffer from severe depression. This means that three out of four people with severe mental disorders have disabilities affecting their work, family, education, and other aspects of life.

Over the last decade, leaders worldwide have asked how to include mental health on the boardroom agenda. But few have dared to set in motion a strategy that would last beyond their tenure. But, the thing is that mental health is not a short-term issue. Now, leaders are getting the courage to ask the question "How are you?" and really, actually listen.

What mistakes to avoid when creating a mentally healthy workplace?

Neglecting mental health first aid training

Leaders often make the grave mistake of undervaluing the need for mental health first aid knowledge and skills within their teams. They assume that mental health issues will resolve themselves or don't require specialized attention. 

However, neglecting training in this area means missing crucial opportunities to support struggling employees effectively. It's akin to turning a blind eye to physical injuries in the workplace—ignoring mental health issues only exacerbates the problem and can lead to more significant challenges down the line.

We are Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) India. We're a national program with a vision to improve the mental health of our nation. Grounded in research, our courses are developed with input from clinical experts as well as those with lived experience of mental health issues. Check out our workplace courses for more information.

Inconsistency in prioritising mental health

There's a tendency among some leaders to preach the importance of well-being and self-care while failing to embody these principles themselves. This sends a contradictory message to employees, creating a culture where self-care is merely lip service rather than a genuine priority.

When leaders fail to model these behaviors, they inadvertently undermine the significance of mental health practices, creating a workplace environment that values productivity over holistic employee wellness.

Failure to build trust with confidential conversations

Failing to establish and maintain trust in confidential conversations hampers an open and supportive workplace environment. Leaders and managers who don't prioritize confidentiality may inadvertently discourage team members from seeking help or sharing their struggles, fearing their privacy may not be respected. 

This lack of trust can deter individuals from reaching out for necessary support, exacerbating their mental health challenges.

Displaying a lack of empathy

Leaders who lack empathy may unintentionally create an unsupportive environment. Disregarding or downplaying team members' emotions or struggles can foster feelings of isolation and detachment, ultimately affecting morale and productivity within the team. 

For example, when an employee expresses their stress about a heavy workload, a lack of empathy might be shown by saying, "Everyone deals with this workload; it's part of the job." This lack of empathy can lead to feelings of isolation and detachment, perpetuating a culture that prioritizes tasks over human emotions.

Also, encouraging a culture of constant availability or "always on" and overworking can lead to burnout and negatively impact mental health. Managers should respect work-life balance, set reasonable expectations, and discourage excessive overtime.

Not prioritizing a positive culture and mental health.

Leaders sometimes overlook the importance of actively driving the change agenda toward creating a positive culture and mentally healthy teams. When leaders fail to promote initiatives that prioritise mental health and positive workplace culture, it creates an environment that may foster stress, negativity, and disengagement. 

So, failing to establish clear policies, resources, and support systems for mental health can stop employees from seeking help or support. To avoid this mistake, leaders should advocate for and implement strategies to create a positive and mentally healthy workplace culture. 

This involves setting clear goals, providing resources, and consistently reinforcing behaviors that support mental well-being among employees.

Leaders should provide access to counseling services, mental health days, flexible work arrangements, and resources to manage mental health issues and problems effectively.

Final remarks

The foundation of a mentally healthy workplace rests upon the proactive actions and attitudes of its leaders. Addressing mental health in the workplace isn't merely a trend or a box to tick—it's a moral obligation and a business imperative. 

It's about humanizing the workspace, acknowledging that individuals bring their whole selves to work, including their mental well-being.

The mistakes leaders often make, such as neglecting mental health first aid, failing to embody the values they espouse, disregarding trust and confidentiality, lacking empathy, and ignoring the need for a positive cultural shift, can't be dismissed lightly. These missteps not only hinder productivity but also undermine the fundamental fabric of the workplace—its people.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace demands courageous leadership. It requires a willingness to break away from traditional norms and embrace a new paradigm where mental health is given the same weight as physical health. 

It involves fostering an environment where vulnerability is met with support, where conversations about mental health are encouraged, and where self-care is not just recommended but actively promoted.