How do we dare to be open and accepting of others and our own mental health issues? What does it take to feel comfortable with someone at work?
The fear of being judged is very real. The ‘what if’ can often show itself. Am I being looked at differently or treated differently? Do they trust me to do my job properly? Do they think I will be signed off work often?
This is all part of the change with work and company culture within an organisation. When acceptance starts at the top, the likelihood of acceptance further down is more likely.
So, how can this be done? What does your workplace do at the moment?
According to Mind, if you do decide to tell your employer about your mental health situation, think about:
How and when to do it. It can be helpful to have a note from your doctor to help explain your situation.
How much information you want to give. You don’t have to go into personal details, just focus on how your mental health problem impacts on your job.
Whom to share it with. For example, the human resources (HR) department may know your diagnosis, but they don't have to tell your supervisor or colleagues.
There are many people working towards enabling disclosure and openness with mental health in the same way we talk about other illnesses or disabilities.
How good it would be to have an open discussion about all disabilities or setbacks and have understanding and empathy as the norm.
Particularly now as we are about to go back into the workplaces after our Covid year, it is even more relevant and important to enable people to talk. Empower people to open up without shame and vulnerability. Research has shown that more people than ever are suffering with anxiety and depression so it is up to the employers to create a welcoming and empathic workplace to return to.
This is what MRT Consultants strives towards. We help companies support their staff to enable an open work culture for acceptance of differences and disabilities.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can support your workplace and employees.
