Staying mentally healthy is crucial for your overall well-being and productivity, in all aspects of our lives. The mere concept of ‘mental well-being’ is increasingly becoming more important to employees and employers. 92% of workers say it is important to them to work for an organisation that values their emotional and psychological well-being.
It being important and taking action to manage mental health are two different matters entirely. 74% of employees say their mental health at work is poor or fair in 2024, an 11% increase from 2023. This means there is still much that can be done to improve and prioritise mental health in the workplace.
We have detailed some of the simplest steps we can all take to start putting ourselves first in the workplace.
Set clear boundaries
Establish boundaries between work and your personal life – it’s essential. Ensuring the work gets done requires give and take on both sides. Define your working hours and manage accordingly. Avoid checking emails or taking calls outside these hours unless necessary. This helps you maintain a clear line between work and relaxation time, especially during holidays.
Take regular breaks
Short breaks during the day can significantly boost your mental health. Use these breaks to stretch, walk, or simply relax. Regular pauses from screenwork also help reduce stress and improve concentration and creativity.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can help you stay focused and calm. Simple practices like deep breathing or short meditation sessions can make a big difference. Consider starting your day with a few minutes of mindfulness to set a positive tone.
Prioritise finding balance
Balance in your life is key to mental health. Set aside time for hobbies, family, and relaxation. A well-balanced life can lead to greater satisfaction and improved mental health.
Create a supportive environment
A positive work environment contributes to mental well-being. Foster open communication with your team and encourage supportive interactions. Help those who need that extra bit of support, celebrate successes together, recognise a job well done, make time for informal (in-person) interactions and make inclusivity a priority.
Seek support when needed
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if feel you can do with some. Talk to colleagues, your manager, or reach out to the People Team about any challenges you're facing.
At Westcon-Comstor, we have made an Employee Assistance benefit (referred to as EAP) accessible to all our employees globally. It’s confidential and designed to support our employees and their immediate family with a range of issues that may impact their well-being. Someone is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. People can talk to a qualified professional in their local region about a variety of subjects.
Erna de Ruijter-Quist, Chief People Office, Westcon-Comstor had this to say about how important our EAP continues to be.
"In my current role and throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the difference an Employee Assistance Program can make in our employees' lives. It is more than offering support; it is about truly caring for people and their families. Our EAP provides a safe space for people to work through challenges, big or small, and we are committed to being there whenever our people need that extra support. This commitment is at the heart of who we are at Westcon-Comstor.”
It’s vital to remember that the EAP is one option to support well-being, there are many other ways for people to get the help they need, whether that is pro-active management or support when it’s needed in the moment. Our mental health is a fickle thing, and everyone is different. By following these practical steps, you can create a healthier work environment for yourself, or it might have given you an idea for something that will work for you in your unique situation. Remember, taking care of your mental health doesn’t just help you, it enhances your overall work performance and satisfaction.
