The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, community, is a great one. This theme should be a strong one in our workplaces. Building a sense community in an age of rapid change and increased pressures is not only beneficial but essential for mental health and overall organisational health.
What is a community?
A sense of community provides a feeling of belonging, support and shared purpose. This translates into a stronger workplace culture, with increased employee engagement and team cohesion.
A study conducted by The Great Places To Work UK found that 78% UK employees believed that strong interpersonal relationships positively influenced their job satisfaction. The study also revealed that employees with a strong community feel three times more likely than others to remain at their employers.
Research for the My Whole Self Campaign revealed that only 17% felt motivated to come to work every day. 1 in 10 employees said they were never inspired by their jobs and less than 25% felt excited about coming to work. One in five UK employees say that they are lonely at work. This is a worrying trend. Many employees are feeling isolated and disconnected from the work they do. This can result in decreased productivity, increased turnover rates and a decline of mental health.
Current challenges facing HR professionals
The complexity of workforce management has increased due to the ongoing dialogue about hybrid working models, economic uncertainty, and changing employee expectations. Some organisations are reversing their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, which could lead to a reverse in the progress made towards a more inclusive and psychologically secure workplace. These pressures require a strategic and values-led approach in people management. The rise of mental health problems among employees also requires proactive and comprehensive strategies that support employee wellbeing.
It is important to create inclusive workplaces where employees feel connected, empowered, and supported to be their best selves. It is important to create and maintain workplace communities which prioritize mental health and inclusion.
Connected Communities
We at MHFA England know that strong and connected communities are the foundation of mentally healthy workplaces. We focus on giving individuals and organizations the tools and confidence to support mental wellbeing every day and not just during a crisis.
Our Mental Health First Aid course goes beyond raising awareness. It builds knowledge, confidence, and skills so that people can take an active part in encouraging well-being at work. We don’t just stop with training. The Association of Mental Health First Aiders is the only English membership body exclusively for MHFAiders. The MHFAider App provides 24/7 digital support, exclusive resources and ongoing learning. It helps ensure that MHFAiders have the confidence, motivation, and tools to perform their role effectively.
We help employers retain talent and create an environment where people can thrive by supporting early intervention, prevention, and recovery.
Building workplace communities: Tips and tricks
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Cultivate open communication
Encourage regular check-ins, open discussions and a supportive environment. The free “My Whole Self”: My plan for a successful workday tool helps employees and managers to identify the things that support their wellbeing. It can be used in conjunction with other free My Whole Self resources to create a psychologically safe work environment. This will boost engagement, morale and performance through open dialogue and trust.
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Promote inclusivity
Implement policies and practices to celebrate diversity, and make sure that all employees are valued and included. It is important to acknowledge and accommodate different cultural backgrounds, identities and experiences.
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Encourage peer support
Create peer support networks, employee resource groups (ERGs), and buddy systems that will help employees connect. These networks can offer informal support and foster a feeling of belonging.
Building community at work also involves recognizing and celebrating individual and team accomplishments. Recognizing successes can improve morale and strengthen a community.
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Training
It is important to empower employees and managers by providing mental health training, but this should always be done as part of a larger strategic commitment towards wellbeing. It includes having clear policies and access to professional help, as well as visible leadership support.
Look Ahead
Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity for organizations to reflect on the workplace culture and how they can improve their communities. It is a continuous commitment to create a supportive, inclusive and welcoming workplace.
Prioritising mental wellbeing and cultivating a community spirit, organisations can create an environment where employees flourish, resulting in increased engagement, productivity and organisational success.
MHFA England is committed to assisting organisations in this journey. Together, we can create mental healthy workplaces that benefit people, communities and businesses.
