World Mental Health Day 2024: It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace
On October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day, a day devoted to raising awareness and fostering mental well-being. This year’s theme, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” underscores the critical need to address mental health issues in our professional environments.
The importance of mental health at work
Workplaces play a significant role in our daily lives, influencing our mental health profoundly. A supportive work environment can enhance productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Conversely, a stressful workplace can contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Creating a supportive work environment
- Open communication: Encourage open discussions about mental health. Create a culture where employees feel safe to share their struggles without fear of stigma.
- Work-life balance: Promote policies that support a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and remote work options.
- Mental health resources: Provide access to mental health resources, including counselling services, mental health days, and wellness programs.
- Training and awareness: Offer training for managers and employees on recognising and addressing mental health issues.
Mental Health and support at Paragon Skills
At Paragon Skills, we prioritise the mental health of our learners and colleagues. As a Gold Leaders in Safeguarding award recipient, our programmes include self-study and guided reflection to support well-being and build resilience. However, we recognise that sometimes direct support is needed. That’s why we’ve partnered with Shout, a crisis text messaging service that provides 24/7 support. By texting ‘Pgon’ to 85258, you can connect with a trained crisis volunteer who will engage with you at your own pace. They will listen actively, ask questions, and respond empathetically to help you find a calm, safe space. If necessary, they can also refer you to additional services for ongoing support.
This World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to making mental health a priority in our workplaces. By creating supportive environments, we can improve the well-being of employees and colleagues, and build a more productive, compassionate workforce.
Remember, mental health matters every day. Let’s take steps to ensure our workplaces are places where everyone can thrive.