Building a healthy workplace

Definitions

• Work : application of physical and mental knowledge & skills; commitment over time; effort, labour & exertion

• Employment : contract of employment for pay; set of specific tasks, located in specific physical/social context

Definitions

• Health : usually operationalized in terms of absence of physical and mental symptoms, illness and morbidity

• Well-being : the subjective state of being healthy, happy, contented, comfortable and satisfied with one’s quality of life

Work and health

Possible causal pathways between health, work and well-being

Work

• Work provides income: material well-being and participation in today’s society

• Work meets important psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm

• Work is central to individual identity, social roles and social status

• Employment and socio-economic status are the main drivers of social gradients in health

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• Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures

• Some groups more likely to report mental health issues:– Women– Non-managers– Not-for-profit sector– Unionized employees

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• A healthy working life is: ‘one that continuously provides working-age people with

the opportunity, ability, support and encouragement to work in ways and in an environment which allows them to sustain and improve their health and well-being’ (Scottish Executive 2004)

• ‘Work should be comfortable when we are well and accommodating when we are ill’ (Hadler 1997)

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• Workloads are monitored• Overtime is compensatedWorkload

• Flexible work arrangements existWork Scheduling

• Work-life balance is promoted• Employees encouraged to take vacation• Employees not expected to respond to

e-mail 24/7

Work-Life Balance

What is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?

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• People are friendly, empathetic, understanding, and supportive

• Bullying, harassment, and discrimination are not tolerated

• Not a high-stress environment; no hostility or conflict

Work Environment

• Managers are well trained and good people managers

• Managers are not autocratic, authoritarian, controlling, and aggressive

• Employees are not blamed or punished for mistakes

Management Style

• Open communication between management and employees

• Human resource professionals and managers are approachable

• Discussions are kept confidential

Communication

What is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?

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• Recognizing signs and symptoms

• Community supports available

• Medical factors influencing mental health issues

• Strategies for keeping employees functional and successful in the workplace

• Responses to negative reactions

• Insight into legal requirements

• Handling difficult conversations

• Softer skills• Creating an inclusive

work environment

Additional Training For Front-Line Managers

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Creating Positive Change in Organizations1. Focus on education and communication to

reduce fear, stigma and discrimination

2. Create a culture conducive to good mental health

3. Demonstrate leadership at the top

4. Provide the tools and training to support managers in their role

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Building trust

Ensuring each employee understands their purpose

Setting clear expectations

Focusing on the most important priorities

Creating a circle of accountability

Growing and developing their employees

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Understanding mental health aspects in the workplace

Literature, courses etc…

GM@W

GWL Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

Building a Healthy Workplace – Leadership Development

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Culture:The collective attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that characterise a particular social group over time

Changing the culture of work & health

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Current: Shift to:

Work is a ‘risk’ and (potentially) harmful to physical and mental health.

Work is healthy, therapeutic & the best form of rehab.vs.Risks of long-term sickness absence

therefore therefore

Advice to stay off / sickness absence / sick certification ‘protects’ from work

Advice and support to remain in or (early) return to work

Shifting attitudes to work & health