5 strategies towards mental health in Hong Kong
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a drop in happiness levels for Hong Kong families, with a recent poll reporting a three-year low. Experts warn that it may take up to a year for residents to fully recover from the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, and attribute the decline in happiness to the "unbalanced" approach to managing public health during the pandemic.
To address the mental health challenges posed by the pandemic, it's important for employers in Hong Kong to prioritise mental health and wellness in the workplace. Here are five strategies to support employees' mental health:
1. Promote Work-Life Balance
Promoting work-life balance is an important step in building a healthy and happy workplace. Encourage your employees to take regular breaks and time off to recharge, helping prevent burnout and reduce stress levels.
Flexible work arrangements, such as work-from-home and flexible hours, have a proven positive effect on overall well-being and help employees balance their work and personal commitments.
2. Provide Resources for Mental Health Support
Employers should provide resources for mental health support, such as access to counselling services (in-house or external), employee assistance programs (such as counseling, legal and financial advice) and mental health resources (educational materials, self-help tools, and online resources). Providing this support can also benefit employers by reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity, and improving employee retention rates
3. Create a Positive Work Environment
Creating a positive work environment by fostering a culture of positivity and celebrating successes will surely result in employees feeling motivated and engaged in their roles. Recognise and celebrate individual and team successes, and acknowledge employees for their hard work and contributions. This can include awards, bonuses, or simply a public thank you.
4. Encourage Physical Activity
As the Latins used to say “mens sana in corpore sano (“a healthy mind lives in a healthy body"), encouraging physical activity in the workplace has numerous benefits for employee mental health and well-being. Employers can offer on-site fitness facilities or partner with local gyms to provide employees with access to exercise equipment and classes. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and increase overall mental well-being.
5. Offer Training and Development Opportunities
By offering training and development opportunities, employers can help employees improve their skills and feel more confident in their roles. Investing in employee development also demonstrates a commitment to employee growth and career advancement, which can help attract and retain top talent. Additionally, a culture of innovation and creativity can lead to new ideas and approaches that can benefit the organization.
Let's prioritise mental health in the workplace!
