Businesses must deal squarely with the harsh realities of mental health at the workplace

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Companies are responsible for creating a work environment conducive to mental health and well-being, for which, we need long-term strategies that integrate mental health into the organizational fabric. Evolve from a reactive structure to a proactive culture: Policy and culture differ.

A policy can institutionalize an intervention like, say, flexible work hours. However, this can remain a token initiative unless the underlying value of flexibility is captured by the entire organization. If leaders tends to work late hours regularly, it could be challenging for team members to maintain a work-life balance.

While we need policies to support those who report poor mental health, we also need a culture that is mindful of psychosocial risks and prioritizes inclusion and empathy in the workplace. Respect diversity: The same approach cannot be applied to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. An entry-level employee who has just moved to the city from a town or village will face different challenges than a long-time resident.

A woman senior vice-president may have caregiving responsibilities that a male in the same position may not. Some communities—disabled, LGBTQI+, Dalit communities, religious minorities—may face forms of discrimination that others don’t. We must create a culture that is inclusive, flexible, empathetic and affirming for a variety of people.