How to Advocate for Mental Health Support in the Workplace, According to an Expert
Speaking up can be scary, so we asked for tips on how to do it.
You know what it’s like: You’re at a meeting that you requested for, standing in front of your boss, ready to share feedback that you’ve been rehearsing in your head for weeks. But instead of opening your mouth, you find yourself biting your tongue, wondering if speaking up is even worth it.
Believe us, we get it. Thrusting yourself—and your thoughts and concerns—into the spotlight can be a tad bit intimidating, and even more so when you aim to introduce new concepts or ways of doing things. But sometimes, you just have to take a deep breath and go for it, especially when important things, such as treatment, schedules, work flow, compensation, or support, are at stake.
With workplace stress on the rise for Filipinos, licensed psychologist Eiza Fusingan-Lapay, RPsy, chief well-being officer of international mental health organization MindNation, previously spoke to Allure Philippines about the need for employees to have support from their workplace to stay healthy mentally.
“In Filipino workplaces, mental health is starting to be acknowledged, but the sense of psychological safety, that one can be very honest about their mental state without fear or consequences of being judged, remains limited,” shares Fusingan-Lapay. “Employees may still hesitate to disclose stress, burnout, or psychological distress, fearing that they might be labeled as weak or vulnerable, or not productive, or that they’re not competent enough to do their jobs.”
With that, speaking up becomes imperative, especially since you’ll be speaking up for yourself and co-workers—it’s doing your part to ensure mental wellness in the workplace.
If you’re itching for change
Bringing up the idea that changes—and more mental health programs—are needed around the office can be daunting. Fusingan-Lapay acknowledges this hurdle, and gives some suggestions on how to begin potentially difficult conversations.
Let small talk trigger big change.
“Start within the team level,” Fusingan-Lapay suggests. “Begin with informal talks with peers or supervisors that you trust.” She says to breach the topics of work-life challenges, how to integrate work with life, and how to create a culture of openness to build trust within that small space. These little conversations can pave the way for bigger discussions, or can even result in instant changes within the team level.
Frame suggestions through the lens of shared goals.
“When you’re trying to present or propose mental health-related changes or activities, frame them within the goals of productivity, employee engagement, or team cohesion,” says Fusingan-Lapay. This keeps the greater good of the team or company in sight, and reminds superiors and the entire team of the bigger picture. After all, a healthy workforce benefits the company as a whole.
If you’re a leader in the workplace
If you’ve got decision-making power at work, consider these suggestions from MindNation.
Make space for programs that teach financial support and literacy.
This includes initiatives such as budgeting workshops, or financial literacy campaigns and consultations, and even emergency financial assistance and low-cost loan programs. With financial issues being the leading cause of stress and anxiety in employees, a simple program could go a long way in helping manage stress.
Equip people with coping skills for stress, anxiety and time management.
Prioritize programs that teach employees how to cope with stress, anxiety and time management. This helps deal with other situations that pop up in their lifetime—whether work-related or not.
Create safe spaces.
Any workplace can benefit from normalizing asking for help, or holding group sessions or pulse checks to discuss issues and problems. These can all foster a culture where employees feel supported, and not isolated, with their worries.
Consider turning to professionals for help or mentorship for your teams.
In dealing with mental health issues, a professional can provide support and guidance like no other. An expert could also reevaluate company policies and suggest the most effective strategies, as well as train team leaders, among others, in the best ways to deal with mental health issues. MindNation is an organization that offers these services—like their Midyear Well-Being Check—for both individuals and teams.
The right environment is crucial for mental wellness.
Fusingan-Lapay shares that a culture of connectedness, empathy, and collective responsibility is crucial for creating a support system that benefits everyone. “It’s important that there is a safe space where each person is not just a mere worker, because we’re embedded in the workplace, and our lives are very much interconnected.”
So if you’re second guessing if you should speak up or instigate change, keep your eyes on the bigger picture, and remember that in a team setting, support for mental wellness is crucial for everyone’s success.
