"Mental health and work" is the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, running from October 8 to 14. If you're serious about combating stress at your office, think about the things listed below:
* Provide useful information on managing stress and depression for workers, such as the Mental Health Foundation's excellent pamphlets A Week of Workplace Tips, Stress and How to Handle It, and Depression in the Workplace.
The foundation also sells a $25 workbook called Learn to Unwind, and a self-relaxation audiotape available to organisations for $10 and individuals by donation.
* Provide off-site, supported counselling services for staff.
* Have local agency help posters (Lifeline, Youthline) in staffrooms, and invite these groups to the office.
* Encourage staff to take regular breaks during the day, and annual leave when it falls due.
* Provide social activities for staff which encourage their families and friends to be involved.
* Increase your knowledge of stress and mental health issues.
The foundation is keen to talk with companies about a trial of the policy developed by the Mental Health @ Work project.
Guiding principles include individual workplace wellbeing, physical environment and workplace structure and culture.
Links
Mental Health Foundation NZ
Altered States
John Groom
Mental health and work
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