Small Business Employee Engagement - 7 Quick Wins for Better Mental Wellbeing at Work

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health problems. This training can help you support your colleagues who may be experiencing mental health issues. You can find more information about Mental Health First Aid training at www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/.

Mindfulness is a simple but powerful way to improve your mental wellbeing. It involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. You can start with a simple exercise: sit down, cross-legged, and focus on your breathing for ten minutes. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. Apps like Aura and Headspace offer daily guided courses that make mindfulness practice accessible to everyone.

Encourage your staff to regulate their use of social media and the internet by discouraging business contact after core hours. Let them know it's okay to turn off their phones or put them on airplane mode after 6 p.m.

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for your mental wellbeing. Matthew Walker's book, "Why We Sleep – The New Science of Sleep and Dreams," explains why sleep is critical to our health and why we need to break free from the cultural myth that working long hours on little sleep is a badge of honor. Employers can provide staff with information on the importance of good quality sleep and even offer time for catnaps.

An EAP provides employees with access to professional advice and assistance when they need it. This can be especially valuable for staff going through difficult times at work or in their personal lives. EAPs can offer services such as a 24-hour help line or up to six counseling sessions free of charge.

Mentoring and coaching programs can help promote emotional stability and mental health in the workplace. Experienced employees can provide support and guidance to more junior staff, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve happiness and mental wellbeing. One way to do this is by writing thank-you letters or notes to people. Some people may prefer a handwritten note or email instead of public praise. Gratitude jars can also be used, where individuals drop in notes about things they're grateful for. Reviewing the notes can be a great way to reflect on the positive things in life.

Incorporating these seven quick wins into your workplace can make a big difference in promoting mental wellbeing. By investing in your mental health, you'll be better equipped to handle stress, boost your performance, and improve your overall quality of life.