Building a mentally healthy workplace: addressing burnout and promoting wellbeing

It feels like we’re talking about mental health more than ever, and that’s a good thing. But even with this increased awareness, it can be hard to know what a ‘mentally healthy workplace’ actually looks like. Is it about offering yoga classes at lunch? Or is it something deeper, more ingrained in the company culture? The truth is, it’s a bit of both. It’s about creating a place where people feel supported, valued, and able to thrive- not just survive.

What is burnout and what are the signs?

Burnout is more than just having a stressful week. The World Health Organisation defines it as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can leave people feeling cynical about their jobs and less capable at work.

It's more than just a bad day

We all have days when we feel tired or fed up with our jobs. Burnout is a more persistent and serious issue. It’s a gradual process, but one that can have a significant impact on our health and happiness. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a sign that we’ve been trying to cope with too much for too long.

Spotting the signs

Recognising the signs of burnout- in ourselves and in others- is the first step to addressing it. Some common signs include:

• Feeling tired or drained most of the time
• Feeling helpless, trapped, or defeated
• Feeling detached or alone in the world
• Having a cynical or negative outlook
• Self-doubt, procrastinating and taking longer to get things done

Whose responsibility is it anyway?

When it comes to mental health at work, there’s often a debate about where the responsibility lies. Is it up to the individual to be more resilient, or is it up to the organisation to create a better environment? The answer, of course, is both.

The organisation's role

Organisations have a duty of care to their employees. This means taking steps to protect their physical and mental health. This can include things like:

• Managing workloads to prevent people from becoming overloaded
• Providing clear and supportive line management
• Fostering a culture of openness and respect
• Offering access to mental health support, such as counselling services

The individual's role

While organisations have a responsibility to create a healthy environment, we also have a role to play in managing our own wellbeing. This means developing self-awareness, learning to recognise our own stress triggers, and taking steps to build our resilience. It’s about knowing when to ask for help and having the confidence to do so.

Practical strategies for a mentally healthy workplace

So, what can organisations do to move from simply talking about mental health to actively promoting it? Here are a few practical ideas:

Creating a culture of openness

One of the most important things organisations can do is to create a culture where people feel able to talk about their mental health without fear of stigma or judgement. This can be achieved by:

• Encouraging leaders to share their own experiences
• Providing mental health awareness training for all staff
• Appointing mental health first aiders or champions

Workload and work-life balance

Constantly feeling overwhelmed is a sure-fire recipe for burnout. Organisations need to be realistic about what they can expect from their employees. This means:

• Regularly reviewing workloads and priorities
• Encouraging people to take their full holiday entitlement
• Respecting working hours and discouraging an ‘always on’ culture

Training and development

Investing in training and development can help to build a more resilient and engaged workforce. This could include workshops on topics like:

• Stress management
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Building personal resilience

Building individual resilience

While a supportive workplace is crucial, we can also take steps to build our own resilience. Think of it as creating your own personal wellbeing toolkit. Here are a few things you might want to include:

• A healthy routine: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.
• Time for yourself: Carve out time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy.
• A strong support network: Nurture your relationships with friends and family.
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Explore things like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply spending time in nature.

Building a mentally healthy workplace isn’t something that can be achieved overnight. It requires a long-term commitment from everyone involved. But by taking a proactive and preventative approach, organisations can create a culture where everyone has the chance to thrive. And that’s not just good for employees- it’s good for business too.