HR Role in Emotional Wellness in the Modern Workplace

 

What is Emotional Wellness?

A lot more people are talking about mental health at work now than years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic turmoils significantly impacted the emotional well-being and well-being of the people. Indeed, 83% of respondents reported feeling emotionally exhausted by their occupations in a research published in Mental Health America (2021).

Resilience, stress management skills, and the will to engage in the inner work required to generate more happy emotions are the key features of emotional wellbeing or wellness (WorkHuman, 2024).

While there are many underlying causes of mental health issues, it is evident that a person's working conditions may have a significant impact on their wellbeing. The importance of "the physical environment of the workplace and organizational climate" on employees' health and happiness has been well-researched (Spring Health, 2023).

Why is Emotional Wellness So Important?

Emotional wellbeing in the workplace is crucial because it affects output, contentment in one's work, and general psychological health. Workers are more likely to excel when they feel emotionally and psychologically secure in their workplace. Workers are less prone to suffer from burnout and more invested in their work when they feel emotionally supported. The result is an improved work atmosphere, less absenteeism, and higher productivity. Reducing workplace disputes and improving team cooperation are two additional ways in which boosting emotional health contributes to the organization's success.

Importance of Employee Wellness at Workplace

                               Source: (Superbeings, 2022)

Reasons for Poor Emotional Wellness at Workplace

·         Negative work culture and atmosphere: Employees in toxic workplaces endure the stress of dealing with unpleasant coworkers, excessive workloads, and constantly changing objectives.

·         Distressing or unpleasant exchanges with superiors and colleagues:  When one person or a small group completely derails the work experience, it may be devastating.

·         Lack of support and resources: Lack of supporting resources, such as firm management support, well-developed teams, enough funding, or any combination of these can lead to an emotionally unhealthy environment.

HR Role in Emotional Wellness at Workplace

To promote mental health in the workplace, HR must do the following:

 Policy Formulation: The process of formulating rules aimed at promoting a healthy work-life balance, eliminating harassment, and creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace.

         Establish Employee Support Programs: By establishing them, companies may ensure that their employees can access confidential counseling and assistance for private and professional concerns.

         Training and Development: Providing courses in conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and stress management.

         Open communication: Creating open communication avenues where workers may voice their issues and get assistance is essential to providing feedback.

         Programs for Wellness: Making plans for activities that will improve people's emotional, physical, and social health.

Check this video for tips on improving mental wellness at the workplace from an employer's point of view.

Conclusion

Employees' mental and emotional health depends on their perception of the safety of their job, whether they work there physically or remotely. Employees report higher levels of emotional wellness on the job when they are well-supported, have access to sufficient resources, and feel comfortable communicating openly about any topic, even disagreement. They may start to feel much more in control of their situation, which may profoundly impact their stress level at work.

References

Guardian Jobs, 2016. Wellbeing in the workplace. [Online]

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI1SDDKohGk

[Accessed 29 March 2024].

 Mental Health America, 2021. Mind the Workplace - MHA Workplace Health Survey 2021, Alexandria: Mental Health America.

Spring Health, 2023. The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace. [Online]

Available at: https://www.springhealth.com/blog/importance-of-mental-health-in-the-workplace

[Accessed 26 September 2023].

 Superbeings, 2022. Wellness In The Workplace, Ideas, Statistics, Tips & Why It's Important In 2022. [Online]

Available at: https://www.superbeings.ai/blog/wellness-in-the-workplace#google_vignette

[Accessed 29 March 2024].

 WorkHuman, 2024. Emotional Wellness in the Workplace (2024). [Online]

Available at: https://www.workhuman.com/blog/emotional-wellness/

[Accessed 29 March 2024].

Bibliography

Mental Health America, 2021. Mind the Workplace - MHA Workplace Health Survey 2021, Alexandria: Mental Health America.

WorkHuman, 2024. Emotional Wellness in the Workplace (2024). [Online]

Available at: https://www.workhuman.com/blog/emotional-wellness/

[Accessed 29 March 2024].

Spring Health, 2023. The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace. [Online]

Available at: https://www.springhealth.com/blog/importance-of-mental-health-in-the-workplace

[Accessed 26 September 2023].

Superbeings, 2022. Wellness In The Workplace, Ideas, Statistics, Tips & Why It's Important In 2022. [Online]

Available at: https://www.superbeings.ai/blog/wellness-in-the-workplace#google_vignette

[Accessed 29 March 2024].

Diversity and Ability, 2020. 5 Ways to Wellbeing in the Workplace. [Online]

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=d933c7f8Krk&autoplay=1&rel=0&showinfo=0

[Accessed 29 March 2024]