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Whether you work on a farm, in an office, a supermarket or at home, having a healthy and safe workplace is important for overall wellbeing.
A mentally healthy workplace has a positive workplace culture where people feel supported and able to do their best work, regardless of whether or not they have a mental health condition. A mentally healthy workplace places the same importance on both mental and physical health and safety in the workplace. (healthyworkplaces.sa.gov.au)
We’ve all heard of instances where people are actively bullied in the workplace but a workplace that has an unhealthy culture can also be damaging. A proactive work environment shows employees that they are respected, valued, have a voice, there is no discrimination and risks to mental wellbeing are managed. A stressful work environment can lead to mental health issues and while there is always going to be stress in some work situations, it can often be reduced, or steps put in place so employees have ongoing support.
Mental health problems, especially depression and anxiety, are common in the community. While some people have a long-term mental illness, many may have mental illness for a relatively short period of time. Most of us will experience a mental health issue at some time in our lives or be in close contact with someone who has experienced mental illness. (humanrights.gov.au)
In workplaces, there should be the same focus on mental health as there is on physical wellbeing and safety. This would counteract burnout, stress, work fatigue and could even lead to greater productivity. It is in the best interest of an employer to create a mentally healthy work environment for their staff.
There are steps you can take to be happy at work. Ideally, we could all work in a field that we are passionate about but for many, this is not the case. Many people find themselves in jobs that are not professionally or personally rewarding but are necessary to be able to pay the bills. Taking charge of your own professional and personal development can make all the difference even in unrewarding jobs.
Develop a plan and goals for your career, then pursue them. Ask for specific and meaningful help from your boss. Look for tasks that will help you achieve career milestones or learn specific skills. Pursue opportunities and connections that you find valuable, even if your current employer isn't creating those opportunities for you. (thebalancecareers.com)
Every job and every role is meaningful, essential and has purpose.
In a fundamental sense, workplace happiness comes when:
We enjoy doing the tasks assigned to us
We feel right about the people we are working with
We are happy with the financial benefits we get from the job
We have the scope of improving our existing skills
We feel respected and acknowledged at work (positivepsychology.com)
Heads Up, developed by Beyond Blue, is a great website full of information, resources and tips for having a mentally healthy workplace: https://www.headsup.org.au/home
If you are unhappy or unwell at work, find someone in your workplace you can talk to and have a chat to your GP or health service.
References and Links:
https://www.healthyworkplaces.sa.gov.au/tools-and-resources/mentally-healthy-workplace-tools-and-resources
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/1-mental-health-workplace
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-ways-to-be-happy-at-work-1919219
https://positivepsychology.com/happiness-at-work/
