It’s time for businesses to reconsider their approach to employee wellbeing.
New research conducted by Way Ahead, the Mental Health Association NSW found that seven in 10 employees hide their mental health challenges at work.
The study surveyed 2,000 people from across Australia, half with experience of mental health issues and half without. Dr Zena Burgess, CEO of the Australia Psychological Society says the statistics are “cause for alarm”:
- 64% said they would hide a mental health challenge for fear of discrimination.
- 38% reported having been treated unfairly after disclosing a mental health condition.
- 7% said that workplaces provided a safe environment for employees to ask for help.
What does this mean?
It means a lot of people are struggling and they are doing so in silence. We all have mental health and it can be challenged at various times for many different reasons. Think about your team, colleagues, boss, executive, board. Any one of them could be this person and you wouldn’t even know.
- A dedicated caregiver supporting an aging family member while trying to excel at work.
- An employee juggling the responsibilities and financial pressures of being a single parent and feeling unsupported.
- A team member dealing with imposter syndrome, despite their accomplishments, which affects their self esteem and stress levels.
- An employee dealing with chronic health issues, trying to maintain their performance and productivity.
- A team member navigating a long distance relationship, which can be emotionally taxing.
- An individual in the LGBTIQA+ community struggling with discrimination and its effects on mental health.
- An employee who recently lost a loved one, coping with grief while keeping up with professional responsibilities.
- A remote worker experiencing isolation and loneliness, impacting their overall sense of wellbeing.
- An Executive experiencing burnout but hiding it because they don’t want to burden their team.
- An employee struggling to make ends meet but afraid to ask for help.
- A working parent feeling guilty because they are struggling to balance the pressures of work and the mental load of home.
So, what can you do?
It’s time to start considering new ways to engage employees in wellbeing initiatives and encourage conversations around mental health.
At B.OK we compliment your wellbeing strategy. We curate personalised gifts with a focus on preventative wellbeing. Put simply, we help you gift moments of mindful fun to your employees and clients.
What is mindful gifting?
Mindful gift giving focuses on the thought and intention behind the gift, it is not just about the physical item but the experience and emotions that come with it. Mindful gifting creates a sense of connection and community, encourages mindfulness and presence, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Gift mindfulness over indulgence this festive season. Why?
- Because demonstrating an authentic commitment to employee wellbeing is important.
- Because your people need a break and our gifts help them to switch off and recharge.
- Because our gifts are personalised, impactful, meaningful and sustainable.
- Because token gifts that you consume, chuck out or clutter your space with are boring.
- Because we make the gift giving process easy and we make you look good.
Keen to find out more?
Download a copy of our Gifting Booklet or get in touch smile@bokideas.com.
Always here,
Alyce – B.OKideas Director