Enlightened Workplaces

Enlightened workplaces are those that understand the give-and-take of the employer-employee relationship. Employees who are treated with dignity and respect usually become loyal, hard-working members of the team. In an economy in which employees have choices about where they will work, it is only smart business for a company to develop existing employees and to go the extra mile to keep good people who sometimes go through difficult periods.

In such a company, a person who is known to be returning from an episode of mental illness is treated with dignity. Consistent support from management makes it clear to all employees that there is no room for negative attitudes towards a co-worker who has been on leave for something like depression. In situations in which the employee has asked that confidentiality be kept about a mental health leave, supervisors must respect that request. At the same time, the employee deserves support while he or she works to return to former levels of productivity.

How to Support a Valued Employee Who Is Managing Mental Illness:

• Companies can provide important accommodations to the employee managing a mental illness, just as they do for people who are still recovering from an injury or managing a physical condition. Reduced hours, flexible scheduling, job-sharing, a temporary change in responsibilities, time off for appointments, etc. can help a valued employee get back to work and reclaim self-esteem.

• Participating in events like World Mental Health Day or National Depression and National Anxiety Screening Days helps send the message that the company understands the nature of mental illness and expects people to get help—not get out—when they feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious.
• Providing workshops on Stress Management, Communication Skills, Anger Management, Addictions, etc. is a proactive approach to common employee problems. High-pressure jobs leave people vulnerable to overload. The smart employer works to develop employee skills for working with each other and for handling frustration and stress.
• Offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as part of a benefits package enables workers to get early, effective help and referrals for mental health problems while at the same time protecting personal privacy. It’s a low-cost addition to the benefits menu that can pay off in a big way in terms of employee longevity and loyalty.

Celebrate World Mental Health Day

Nearly one in two Americans (that’s almost 50 percent!) will suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. It may be as mild as an adjustment disorder to a major life change or as severe as the onset of schizophrenia. Regardless, nearly half of us will at one time or another feel overwhelmed, frightened, and insecure as we try to deal with feelings or thoughts that threaten to envelop us. Whether it lasts for a week or for several years, we need the understanding and support of family, friends, and co-workers while we get the treatment we need and get back to our usual selves. World Mental Health Day , sponsored by the World Federation for Mental Health, is intended to help remind all of us of the importance of reducing the stigma associated with mental illness in our communities and in the workplace.

For more information on World Mental Health Day, go to: http://www.wfmh.org/

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 19 Oct 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.