In recent years, mental health in the workplace has gained significant attention. The pandemic served as a catalyst, prompting a shift in how organisations approach well-being. As awareness of mental health issues grows, so does the realisation that fostering well-being requires more than surface-level perks; it demands a deeper commitment to creating a culture rooted in support, trust, and collective responsibility.
According to Bernie Wong and Kelly Greenwood in The Future of Mental Health at Work Is Safety, Community, and a Healthy Organisational Culture, many companies have attempted to improve mental health through benefits like meditation apps, mental health days, and self-care resources. However, workers increasingly recognize that sustainable mental health solutions require a workplace culture built on psychological safety and community, not just individual benefits. Research, such as Organisational Culture & Employee Well-Being, underscores this point, revealing the profound influence that organisational culture has on employee well-being. This research suggests that a supportive culture can mitigate stress, foster engagement, and enhance overall job satisfaction, further emphasising the need for a holistic approach to mental health in the workplace.
At Cultural Impact (CI), we resonate deeply with this approach. Mental well-being isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s an organisational commitment. CI’s core values of curiosity, compassion, and co-creation are central to creating an atmosphere where trust, acceptance, and open communication support each person’s mental health. We see Team Psychological Safety (TPS) as foundational, ensuring employees feel secure in expressing themselves, taking risks, and contributing openly without fear of judgement. When everyone participates in creating this environment, the benefits extend beyond individual well-being to positively impact the organisation’s overall resilience and cohesion.
Trends and a Shift in Mental Health Priorities
Rising interest in mental well-being is evident in Google Trends data, which shows steady growth in searches for "mental health" and "workplace well-being." People increasingly seek work environments where they feel mentally safe, seen, and supported. This shift indicates a growing understanding that employee mental health is intricately linked to the organisational environment. Mind Share Partners' 2023 report found that employees rated a "healthy and sustainable culture of work" as the most impactful factor for mental health. The pandemic underscored the need for organisational change, where well-being is no longer about perks alone but involves re-envisioning workplace norms and expectations. Organisations focusing on creating environments where well-being is integral to their culture see improvements in employee performance, job satisfaction, and loyalty, contributing to long-term success.
Fostering a Culture of Well-being
Well-being at work begins with trust. In a psychologically safe space, employees know they can discuss challenges and seek support, which can reduce stigma around mental health. A culture built on compassion allows team members to approach issues with empathy, creating a space where employees can share their struggles without judgement. Research from Organisational Culture & Employee Well-Being shows that employees in supportive environments report higher levels of mental well-being, engagement, and productivity. Findings indicate that a safe, supportive culture is more beneficial to mental health than isolated wellness perks.
A collaborative approach to well-being incorporates mental health solutions developed alongside employees rather than simply offering top-down benefits. TPS encourages open conversations, enabling team members to voice their concerns and ideas, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for a healthy work atmosphere. This proactive model contrasts with traditional individual-focused solutions, which often place the burden of mental health management solely on the employee.
Collective Responsibility for a Mentally Healthy Workplace
The most successful workplaces take a group approach to well-being. Co-creation encourages team members to actively participate in shaping a healthy work environment, reinforcing that everyone plays a part in the mental wellness of the organisation. When each individual feels appreciated, it strengthens the community, creating a cycle where well-being feeds productivity and vice versa.
This collective approach to mental health addresses the systemic needs of the workplace beyond perks. As organisations foster TPS, employees feel valued and empowered to contribute. Trust and psychological safety allow team members to focus on meaningful work without the constant worry of burnout or stigma. Research from Organisational Culture & Employee Well-Being supports the idea that organisations embracing collective well-being experience more engaged employees and lower turnover rates. When mental health is treated as a shared responsibility, employees feel a stronger sense of belonging, leading to greater organisational commitment and satisfaction.
Strategies for a Mentally Healthy Workplace
Mind Share Partners recommends five key strategies for fostering mentally healthy workplaces based on recent findings.
Redefine Mental Health in the Organisational Context: Initiatives should be tailored to each organisation’s unique culture, incorporating feedback from employees and embedding mental health support into the core structure of the business, not just as part of HR programs.
Promote Culture Change from Both Leadership and Employees: Leaders should model openness about mental health, while employees are empowered through resource groups and peer networks. This top-down and bottom-up approach is essential for authentic cultural change.
Address Root Causes Alongside Wellness Perks: Rather than relying on superficial fixes like "mental health days," organisations must make systemic changes to address the root causes of stress and burnout.
Strengthen the Foundations of Work: By reinforcing safety, autonomy, and belonging—core human needs—organisations can create a lasting foundation for mental well-being beyond temporary wellness benefits.
Sustain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts: Mental health and DEI are interconnected, and supporting diverse social identities enhances employee well-being and engagement. Inclusive mental health initiatives recognize and support employees’ unique needs and experiences.
Building a Culture of Well-being
Creating a work culture that genuinely supports well-being requires moving beyond traditional wellness initiatives. Emphasising values like TPS, acceptance, compassion, and a commitment to co-creation enables organisations to build environments where well-being is not a separate initiative but a core aspect of how work is done together. With curiosity and compassion, teams can contribute to each other’s mental health and success, fostering workplaces where well-being is a shared commitment.
As organisations continue to evolve, sustaining a culture of well-being is essential. By recognizing that an investment in mental health is an investment in people, organisations can create a healthier, more resilient work environment, ultimately contributing to long-term success.
References:1.https://hbr.org/2023/10/the-future-of-mental-health-at-work-is-safety-community-and-a-healthy-organizational-culture
2. Organisational Culture & Employee Well Being (With Special Reference to Automotive Sector), Ms. Gauri Rathi and Dr. Amit Kumar Srivastava, Revista Review Index Journal of Multidisciplinary
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