In acknowledgement of R U OK? Day, EDWINA GRIFFIN encourages businesses to practice mindfulness in order to curb mental health issues in the office.
Work is a critical contributor to mental health issues in Australian workplaces. It is the leading cause of sickness-related absence, long-term work incapacity and has been linked to 20 percent of suicides.
Not including the human cost, mental health conditions cost Australian workplaces $10.9 billion per year, including the cost of absenteeism and presenteeism, according to Heads Up’s State of Workplace in Mental Health report. It also resulted in more than workers’ compensation claims valued at $543 million in 2018 alone.
Yet while 90 percent of employees recognise the importance of good mental health, only 52 percent believe their workplace is a mentally healthy environment.
Today, September 12, is R U OK? Day. There is no better day to check in on your colleagues and employees while also considering new approaches to creating a workplace that supports the mental health of those within it.
Stress in the workplace recently became a focus for the World Health Organisation (WHO) after it declared burnout an occupational health phenomenon.
“Burnout is a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”, WHO declared. And they are right.
We all experience emotions, but research shows that only 36 percent of people can identify emotions when they occur. That’s a problem when it comes to identifying mental health issues and stress levels in the workplace.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) testing and education programs in workplaces can help to improve workplace relationships and culture to create more supportive work environments. Research shows that employees with high EQ are more likely to stay calm under pressure, resolve conflict effectively and respond to coworkers with empathy. Research has actually shown that EQ is a critical factor that sets high performers apart from other staff members.
More businesses and their HR professionals need to take a lead role in workplace mental health and suicide prevention. Research shows that mindfulness and EQ in the workplace reduces stress, makes people better leaders, aids concentration and enables greater awareness of the self and others.
One way of doing that is through promoting mindfulness – the process through which we focus our attention on experiences occurring in the present to improve attention, memory and stress levels.
Mindfulness is valuable anywhere at any time. All it takes is a willingness to concentrate on what is happening to you without judgement, take stock, reframe your mindset and do what is necessary to put yourself in good mental standing. Encourage those you lead or surround yourself with to follow your example as you work to bring health and happiness to the work day.
Edwina Griffin is a health and high performance expert. She runs wellness program provider Energy Evolution.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Beyondblue – 1300 22 4636
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