Mental health at the workplace has been a concern for many years, with up to 80% of people predicted to suffer diagnosable mental health issues in their lifetime. However, the discussions around employee mental health wellness have gained traction in the post-covid era as employers prioritize self-care and employee well-being more than ever.
Although managers strive to create a healthier workplace, many employees still remain afraid to speak openly about their mental health to their bosses. As a result, they don’t get the help they really need.
A survey conducted by Mental Health First Aid found that, only 32% of Briton workers feel comfortable talking about their mental health at the workplace, with another survey finding more than 50% of employees interviewed feeling uncomfortable talking about their mental wellness at the workplace.
It might just be us, but the above numbers are scary. So, how do you talk to your boss about your mental health at work? We have tried to make it easy and summarize in 3-easy steps. It is equally important to take mental health emergencies seriously as physical ones. Call a specialist right away if you feel that you need professional help.
If you plan to discuss your mental health with your boss, consider what support you'll need or what you hope to gain from sharing the information. For a better understanding of the potential outcomes of the discussion, research your company's human resource policies first.
Whether you’re looking forward to being allowed some time off, flexible working time, work deadlines, or getting assigned fewer duties, knowing what the company’s HR policy dictates goes a long way in helping you create realistic goals.
When you're ready to speak one-on-one with your boss, choose the right time and place. A calm and collected environment is ideal for speaking. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to suggest an alternative meeting location or perhaps go for a short walk outside the office while having the meeting.
The relationship between you and your boss can determine the best way to have a conversation. Depending on how formal your relationship is, you may want to reach out by email and schedule some private time for the conversation, or maybe go for coffee and chat.
When the right time comes, start the conversation. Try to be as clear and concise as possible and state how your mental health impacts your work-life productivity. Since your boss is not a therapist or a close friend, stick to what matters to the workplace. Moreover, keep the conversation professional and as appropriate as possible.
Think carefully about how your boss can help you manage your situation with the goals of your discussion in mind. You should also be aware of resources that might be appropriate and beneficial for your situation. Give your boss the grace to think through the problem and provide a final response regarding the next step as much as you're looking for empathy from them.
In conclusion, talking to your boss or manager about your mental health wellness is beneficial not only to you but also to the business organization as it can help make changes that are beneficial for you and the business. Additionally, it can help avert losses that could otherwise negatively impact the company’s bottom line while allowing you to get help before it’s too late for a remedy.
LEARN.
CONNECT.
GROW.
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This blog post article is intended only for educational and general information purposes. You must not consider this professional advice from a therapist. If you are having suicidal thoughts or feel that you cannot cope, you want to hurt yourself or someone else, seek professional help as soon as possible. Speaking up is okay.
If you need urgent help, please visit the NHS page on this topic here.
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