The impact of COVID-19, and the subsequent lockdown has taken a toll on the mental well-being of some employees. Corporate mental wellness workshops have become a way to bond with employees. Psychiatrist Parul Tank encourages firms to do this by reaching out to employees on an individual basis. She shares, “For many people mental health is still a taboo topic. Hence, it’s vital that corporates create awareness about mental well-being  in a safe, supportive environment.”

Get corporate mental wellness right

• Seek to inform and create awareness  

Use emailers as a way to reach out to your employees. They can be used to create awareness about mental health problems that employees are likely to be grappling with. The emphasis here should be on the emotional health and well-being of the employer.

• Appoint an in-house mental health therapist

Encourage employees to approach the in-house mental health expert in private. This needs to be handled sensitively, cognizant of the fact that the counseling sessions will be confidential. The mental health expert is there to help employees and will not share the same with the employer.

• Every week address one mental health topic

Use the emailer or flyers in the office to educate and create awareness about mental health. Focus on one topic every week, seek to inform and educate. Encourage employees to be supportive of their colleagues. Avoid being overly critical and judgmental.

• Don’t mix up games with mental health workshops

There is a tendency to mix up fun and games with mental health by labeling it as emotional well-being exercises. Avoid doing that, it’s better to encourage employees to seek direct help from an in-house mental health therapist. Group mental health sessions do not really work as employees shy away from opening up about their mental well-being.