Today marks Blue Monday. The third Monday of January is known as the most depressing day of the year but here at Outsource, we use this day as a reminder of the importance of mental health, wellbeing and highlight the positive things in our colleagues' lives.
In the workplace, prioritising the mental health of employees is not only ethical but also crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Blue Monday serves as a symbolic reminder to prioritise mental health in the workplace. By acknowledging the challenges employees face and implementing strategies to support their mental wellbeing, organisations can create a positive and thriving work environment. In doing so, not only do they contribute to the overall happiness and satisfaction of their employees, but they also have the benefits of increased productivity, reduced absence, and a more robust, resilient workforce.
Why Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is often associated with a combination of post-holiday blues and cold weather. While the scientific validity of labeling a specific day as the ‘most depressing’ is debated, it provides an opportunity to talk about the broader issue of mental health. The workplace is a significant part of an individual's life and plays a pivotal role in influencing mental wellbeing.
Why is supporting mental health in the workplace so important?
- Enhanced Productivity: Employees who feel supported in their mental health are likely to be more engaged and productive. A positive work environment fosters creativity, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.
- Reduced Absence: Prioritising mental health can contribute to lower rates of absence. When employees feel their mental health is valued, they are more likely to attend work regularly and be present both physically and mentally.
- Improved Morale: A workplace that promotes mental health initiatives fosters a sense of belonging and morale among employees. This, in turn, contributes to a positive company culture.
- Attraction and Retention of Talent: Organisations that prioritise mental health and wellbeing are more attractive to potential employees. Organisations tend to retain talent better as employees feel valued and supported.
Our tips on how you can support your colleagues:
- Open Communication Channels: Encourage open dialogue about mental health in the workplace. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of stigma.
- Flexible Work Policies: Implement flexible work hours or remote work options. This can help to reduce stress and provide employees with a better work-life balance.
- Mental Health Resources: Offer access to mental health resources such as counseling services, workshops, and educational materials. Employee assistance programs can be valuable in this regard.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Discourage excessive overtime and promote a healthy work-life balance. Encourage employees to take breaks and vacations to recharge.
- Training for Managers: Train managers to recognise signs of mental health issues and provide them with the tools to offer support. A supportive leadership team is crucial for fostering a positive workplace culture.
What are we doing at Outsource?
We understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing. That's why we have a variety of initiatives in place to support our employees, including:
- Mental Health First Aiders.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors.
- Mental Health Resources including Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company-wide initiatives to start conversations and help break the stigma.
To mark Blue Monday this year, alongside reminding our colleagues of the mental health support available, we’re running an internal photography initiative so that our colleagues can share what makes them happy and see what makes other people happy too.
We truly believe that a positive work environment is crucial for both personal and professional growth, and we're committed to fostering a workplace culture that values and prioritises mental health every day of the year.
