Trust is the "fuel" to improving mental health awareness in India

Mental health awareness in India remains a subject often whispered about in hushed tones or, more often, ignored altogether. There's a silent agreement—a shared understanding that addressing mental well-being within the workplace remains a topic better left untouched. Why? The crux of the matter lies in trust—or the lack thereof. Employees have many concerns when it comes to discussing mental health at work.  

A recent McKinsey Health Institute survey of 30 countries found that 59% of Indian respondents reported the highest rates of burnout symptoms. What's more, they reported the highest level of workplace exhaustion at 62%, closely followed by Japan (61%.)

Many of them hesitate to share their struggles due to fears – fear of confidentiality breaches, fear of judgment, or worse, fear of repercussions like being labeled, sidelined, or even losing their jobs. So, building trust is vital for individuals to feel secure enough to open up about their mental health challenges without fear of negative consequences.

Also, for those concerned with ROI, mental health programs are more likely to achieve positive ROI when you support employees along the entire spectrum of mental health. From well-being to intervention and care to the elimination or reduction of workplace hazards that could psychologically harm an employee. Also, organizations investing in mental health awareness in India can mitigate the rising costs of doing nothing at all. 

The importance of building trust

Confidentiality stands as a cornerstone in mental health conversations. When employees trust that their disclosures won't be met with judgment or used against them, it lays the groundwork for open, honest discussions. Creating this assurance is important for nurturing a supportive workplace culture. Why? Because in India, 80% of people with mental health or substance use conditions don't ever seek treatment.

One of the biggest problems is that many people feel ashamed or judged about their mental health issues, which stops them from talking about it at work. This makes it hard for them to get the help they need or to use the support that's already there for employees with mental health conditions.

Creating dedicated channels for anonymous communication, providing access to confidential counseling services, and promoting mental health awareness in India are effective strategies. Emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness is crucial in reinforcing trust within the workplace ecosystem.

Beyond policies

Managers and leaders wield considerable influence in shaping workplace dynamics. They are the bridge between organizational policies and the team members. It's not just about having policies in place but also about actively creating genuine connections, a culture of trust, and demonstrating genuine care for the well-being of employees. 

Obviously, when leaders actively engage in conversations, display empathy, and listen attentively, it sets the tone for others to follow suit.

But how can they do that when they lack quality knowledge of mental health? You need to equip leaders with an understanding of mental health issues, enabling them to recognize signs and respond effectively. Tested skills and actions are important in instilling confidence within leaders to initiate and sustain caring, supportive conversations. The essence lies in empathy—an empathetic ear and genuine concern can work wonders in breeding trust.

But how do managers and leaders start this journey of trust-building?

Simple yet thoughtful questions can lay the foundation. Questions that convey genuine care and concern. Initiating discussions about wellbeing during team meetings, checking in with team members individually, or even sharing resources and success stories related to mental health—all these actions chip away at the walls of stigma and distrust.

Addressing stigma: Empowering managers to empower employees.

Finally, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health requires empowering managers to cultivate trust with their teams on an individual basis. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health isn't just a suggestion—it's an absolute necessity. And if there's one crucial cog in this machinery of change, it's the managers.

Let's face it: some might shy away from these discussions, maybe due to their discomfort or lack of understanding. But, the burden falls on them to set the tone to create an environment where employees feel safe to share their struggles without fear of judgment.

So, they must be trained to listen actively, respond empathetically, and foster an atmosphere that nurtures trust and understanding.

It's not an option to simply sweep mental health concerns under the rug. Managers must realize that their actions—or lack thereof—have a profound impact. By initiating these open dialogues, they set off a chain reaction. When one team member feels supported and heard, others take notice. It creates a ripple effect, gradually eroding the walls of stigma that have confined discussions about mental health for far too long.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, improving mental health awareness in India hinges on empowering leaders and managers to cultivate trust. Trust acts as the bridge that connects individuals to support systems, promoting an environment where mental health conversations are welcomed and (above all) valued.

Trust, therefore, is the fuel that propels the engine of change—a change that embraces vulnerability encourages empathy, and champions mental health awareness across every tier of the organizational hierarchy.