October is National Mental Health Month, so what better time to give your employees the tools they need to stay ahead of the mental health curve. Poor mental health was a huge risk to organisations BEFORE covid-19 hit, now the need for proactive, preventative approaches are highlighted more than ever…
Our experience and research tells us that:
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50% of your workforce is healthy and coping at the moment – let’s keep them here.
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30% of your workforce is vulnerable. They could go in either direction – let’s ensure they move in the right direction.
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20% of your workforce have a diagnosed mental health condition- ie. Depression or anxiety – they need positive support now more than ever, concurrent with clinical treatment.
The mental health needs of workforces across Australia (and the world!) have been rapidly expanding with the stress of COVID-19. But many need help with HOW to help their employees in a time like this. They aren’t alone in being unsure how to navigate this new workplace health challenge, and they certainly don’t have to navigate this on their own. We’re here to help, with a range of services that can be implemented immediately – even if the workforce is largely working from home or restricting site visitors.
The mental health impact of COVID-19 and its associated isolation impacts include:
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Lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes per day
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Loneliness and isolation can be twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity
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Along with contributing to depression and suicide risk, loneliness can also lead to heart disease, diabetes and dementia
The below findings from a Work from Home study conducted in 2020 also highlighted the impact of covid-19 on employee mental health and wellbeing.
So, where to start? There are many things you can do today that will help boost and protect your mental health. This includes:
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Get moving. Exercise can boost your mood, alertness and propensity to look on the bright side! Researchers have found that those who engage in regular vigorous exercise are 25% less likely to develop depression or anxiety over the next 5 years.
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Eat fresh. A high intake of fruit and vegetables is linked to reduced depressive symptoms. Also, the fibre in vegetables keeps blood sugar levels stable, preventing dips in energy and the associated mood swings.
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Listen to soothing music. This can lower your blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety.
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Get enough sleep. A good nights sleep helps to improve your focus and boosts your mood. It’s like an in-built mechanism for building resilience and strengthening your ability to bounce back!
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Express gratitude. Research indicates that people who keep gratitude journals on a regular basis exercise more regularly. That’s DOUBLE the mental health boost!
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Watch what you drink. Drinking 2 cans of sugary drink a day (e.g. coke) may increase your risk of anxiety by 23%. This over-consumption of sugar triggers imbalances in certain brain chemicals, increasing the risk of experiencing depression and anxiety.
Ready to bring mental health awareness to your workplace? We have lots to offer in this space! Options include:
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Mental fitness (health) webinars or workshops
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Interactive displays and expos
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Human Performance Programs
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Stress Management Programs
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Our Headquarters branded mental fitness program
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Health promotion material packages
If you’re ready to take action at your workplace, we’re here to help. Email [email protected] to discuss options today.