Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing

Date: 2025-09-04

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To promote understanding of mental health, identify workplace stressors, and implement supportive strategies.

Introduction

Mental health is an integral part of overall health, encompassing psychological and emotional well-being. A mentally healthy workplace supports workers' well-being and prevents harm to their psychological health. [5]

Key Points

• Understanding Mental Health: Mental health includes psychological and emotional well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.
• Workplace Factors: Workplace factors, or psychosocial risk factors (PSR), can significantly impact mental health, either positively or negatively. Negative exposure can lead to stress, anxiety, or burnout. [1] [1]
• Employer's Role: Employers have a legislative requirement to protect employees' mental and physical health. Creating a psychologically safe workplace is crucial. [1] [2]
• Comprehensive Workplace Health and Safety (CWHS) Program: Implementing a CWHS program can improve the work environment and increase personal empowerment and growth. [2] [2]
• Individual Strategies: Workers can protect their mental health by seeking help, balancing work demands, finding relaxing activities, sharing feelings, acknowledging successes, and developing healthy habits. [6]

Hazard Identification

• High Workload: Increased stress, burnout, and decreased productivity.
• Lack of Support: Feelings of isolation, reduced job satisfaction, and increased anxiety.
• Harassment and Bullying: Psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and a hostile work environment. [8]
• Poor Communication: Misunderstandings, increased stress, and a lack of clarity regarding roles and expectations.
• Lack of Work-Life Balance: Burnout, increased stress, and negative impacts on personal relationships.

Control Measures

• Implement a Comprehensive Workplace Health and Safety (CWHS) Program: Develop strategies and policies to improve the work environment and support employee well-being. [2]
• Provide Mental Health Training: Educate managers and employees to recognize hazards and promote positive mental health. [4]
• Encourage Open Communication: Create channels for feedback and address concerns promptly. [3]
• Promote Work-Life Balance: Offer flexible work arrangements and encourage employees to take breaks and time off. [7]
• Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Provide confidential counseling and support services.
• Address Harassment and Bullying: Develop and enforce policies against harassment and bullying. [4]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are some common stressors in our workplace?
2. How can we better support each other's mental health?
3. What resources are available to help with mental health concerns?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of a mental health crisis, ensure the individual is safe and not a danger to themselves or others.
2. Contact emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline.
3. Provide support and stay with the individual until professional help arrives.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Mental health is crucial for overall well-being and workplace productivity.
• Workplace factors can significantly impact mental health.
• Employers and employees share responsibility for creating a psychologically safe workplace.
• Supportive strategies and open communication are essential for addressing mental health concerns.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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