An Organizational Approach to Mental Health

June 2021

Months of turmoil and upheaval take a toll; the mental wellbeing of the workforce has never been a more important topic. See the online exclusive article "Engaging Employees on Their Mental Health," and the ASIS webinar Managing Better Conversations for Wellbeing for a more extensive look.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis | An Organizational Approach to Mental Health

Starting Conversations

You have a duty of care to that individual	You are not a therapist, life coach or doctor
What you say and do matters	You are not responsible for what they do and you cannot cure their problem
Consider when to signpost that person to an expert or someone else	Consider if you are comfortable being available out of office hours or not

Signs of mental distress at work	Support powerful listening
Increased absence for ANY reason Presentee-ism Difficulties in producing work/making decisions	Summarize using their words Ask clarifying/open questions Keep attentive eye contact
Create with them, not for them	Manager’s best practice
Get emergency help if needed Ask what they want, if they want help Find out who can help support the person	Prevention-first approach Document conversations Consider reasonable adjustments Follow company procedures Stay in contact with people when out, do return-to work interview