Creating Mentally Healthier Workspaces

We spend about 90,000 hours at work in our lives—that equates to about 1/3 of our lives. And yet, so much of the time, we dread work, we avoid work, and we’ll do just about anything to get out of it, given the chance.

So what can we do about it?

How can we create spaces that are more palatable so that we can find more meaning in the work that we do? It doesn’t mean we may be skipping into the office but there are things we can each do to build a work environment that bolsters our wellbeing, rather than detracts from it.

Let’s break it down.

First, let’s look at managers. Here are some ways that leadership can integrate a healthier workplace:

1.    Don't be afraid to address mental health: This is so important. Managers can often shy away from sharing their own mental health experiences and get nervous about conversations with colleagues about well-being, but we know that employees, especially Millennials and Gen Z, appreciate when mental health is addressed more openly.

2.    Be flexible: More than half of young adults cited flexibility as a top priority with their working role in a study done by Georgetown University recently. Whether it's flexible vacation, considerate sick policy (where people feel they can truly take time off), or mental health days, employees appreciate feeling like they can actually take time off when they need it (or simply want it).

3.    Lead by Example: Managers should prioritize their own mental health. That means they should take their own vacations, model their own wellness practices (like openly sharing if they go to therapy), and build opportunities for their team to feel open to conversations around mental health. That means they promote things like Mental Health Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Week rather than just letting these events pass by without mention. and openly communicate about self-care practices with their team. This sets a positive example and encourages employees to prioritize their mental well-being.

4.    Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins with team members to discuss workload, stressors, and overall well-being. Have an open-door policy.

Did you know that about 50% of people are back to work full time? Given this, let’s look at a few ways we can make our in-person time more enjoyable.

1.    Create sacred and fun spaces: The days of sitting in the office cubicle are fading. There's a reason people like working in coffee shops and parks. Get creative with work locations so that people can work in different environments that expand creativity and team connection.

2.    Find ways to support boundaries: Whether it's having private spaces for introverted members or having a system in place that gently lets others know to not interrupt deep thinking time, have some clear communication strategies and spaces so that employees don't feel awkward or personalize when they need quiet time.

3.    Have bonding time in the office: Whether it's bringing lunch in, puppies in, or even having a crafting day, find opportunities for employees to have fun together and to get know each other as people, not just as fellow colleagues.

And given that 50% of people are back in the office, that means another 50% of us are working remotely or in a hybrid model. How can we support those friends?

1.    Establish a Routine--or don't! That's the beauty of a hybrid schedule is that it keeps us on our toes. The brain loves novelty. So know what you need--whether that's the excitement of a different daily schedule or a routine that includes designated work hours and breaks. Don't guilt yourself for either route and hold flexibility with what works best for you.

2.    Create a Dedicated Workspace: Set up a designated workspace that you enjoy being in. Make it cozy and inviting with a blanket nearby and candles or whatever else makes it feel like an inviting space to be in.

3.    Stay connected socially: One of the pitfalls of a hybrid or virtual situation is that we can start to feel disconnected and a little socially awkward--if only because we're not getting as much practice socializing! So keep that camera on when you can, ask colleagues how they're doing rather than just jumping in with the work, and intentionally socializing with others outside of work are all key.

And everyone needs mental health support—no matter what setting we’re in. How do we do that?

1.    Normalize Conversations About Mental Health: Encourage open and honest conversations about mental health in the workplace to reduce stigma and promote support.

2.    Provide Resources: This one is a no-brainer! Make mental health resources readily available to employees, such as access to counseling services, employee assistance programs, or mindfulness resources. PsychologyToday.com is my personal favorite landing place to find a provider.

3.    Remember to have fun: Work can feel so heavy and stressful. Finding opportunities for lightness, whether it's sharing a funny video of something our kid did, or sharing about a great vacation you took, are all ways we can connect and engage with one another. We need that connection for those heavier times.