Mental health is gaining more attention globally as its importance in personal and professional life becomes clearer. With October 10th recognized as World Mental Health Day, the conversation around mental well-being is expanding to every aspect of life, especially the workplace.
Today, organizations like Wateen are prioritizing their employees’ mental health, creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and understood.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being of a person. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act in their daily lives. More importantly, it influences how they handle stress, make decisions, and build relationships. Good mental health is essential for everyone to lead a fulfilling and balanced life, while poor mental health can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
It’s important to remember that mental health isn’t just the absence of mental illness; it involves maintaining a state of well-being where individuals can cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.
What is Happening Globally about Mental Health?
On a global scale, mental health is being recognized as an essential part of overall health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions are rising worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. The pandemic accelerated awareness, exposing the fragility of mental well-being during times of uncertainty.
Countries around the world are responding by launching initiatives to destigmatize mental illness, increase access to care, and develop community-based mental health services. Governments and organizations are acknowledging that mental health support is necessary for public health and economic productivity. Many nations are embedding mental health care into their public health policies and workplace standards, ensuring people have the resources they need.
The Role of World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th each year, plays a crucial role in raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating against social stigma. It’s a day to bring together organizations, policymakers, and individuals to discuss the importance of mental health care and to implement strategies to ensure that mental health becomes a global priority.
Why Is Mental Health Important in the Workplace?
The workplace is where most people spend a significant portion of their day. If mental health isn’t prioritized in the workplace, employees can face overwhelming stress, burnout, and decreased productivity. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” A mentally healthy workforce is vital for creating an environment where employees are engaged, motivated, and efficient.
Work-related stress and pressure are among the leading causes of poor mental health. When employees feel overworked or unsupported, it can affect their mental well-being, leading to higher absenteeism, low morale, and reduced performance.
Addressing mental health in the workplace can:
- Boost productivity: Employees who feel mentally supported tend to perform better and are more engaged in their tasks.
- Reduce turnover: When companies show that they care about mental health, employees are more likely to stay longer, reducing hiring and training costs.
- Foster creativity: A mentally healthy environment encourages open communication, creativity, and collaboration.
- Improve work-life balance: Employees who have mental health support are better equipped to manage their time and personal lives.
What is Wateen Doing to Prioritize Employee Well-Being?
Wateen Telecom has emerged as a leader in ensuring that the mental well-being of its employees is a priority. The organization recognizes that a healthy workforce is crucial for sustainable success and long-term growth. To this end, Wateen has implemented several initiatives to create a supportive work environment.
Wateen’s Mental Health Initiatives
Wateen has been committed to prioritizing mental wellbeing. The company organized an event on the World Mental Health Day where CEO Adil Rashid emphasized that the importance of mental health can never be ignored. He reaffirmed Wateen’s support for its employees.
The highlight of the event was the Q&A session in which the employees participated and shared ideas and insights with the senior leadership. The leadership also engaged directly with the teams providing them a clear vision for the FY 2024-2025.
Wateen regularly organizes workshops and seminars focused on stress management, work-life balance, and mindfulness practices. These sessions are designed to provide employees with practical tools to manage their mental health and well-being in their day-to-day lives. The company understands that mental health is not a one-time concern but something that needs consistent attention.
A Supportive Work Culture
Beyond these activities, Wateen fosters an inclusive and empathetic work culture where open conversations about mental health are encouraged. Managers are trained to recognize the signs of stress and burnout in their teams and to provide the necessary support before issues escalate. Wateen is not just creating policies but building a culture of care that goes beyond the traditional corporate environment.
How Other Organizations are Excelling in Workplace Mental Health
Wateen isn’t alone in this endeavor. Many organizations around the world are excelling in promoting mental health at work by implementing innovative strategies.
Google
Google has long been known for its progressive workplace culture, and mental health is no exception. Google offers employees access to mental health services, on-site therapists, and mindfulness training. They also provide generous leave policies to ensure that employees can take time off when needed for mental health reasons.
Unilever
Unilever has been proactive in addressing mental health by promoting work-life balance and implementing employee wellness programs. They focus on creating a supportive environment through flexible work arrangements, mental health days, and internal campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health.
Microsoft
Microsoft provides mental health support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which give workers access to counselors and therapists. Additionally, they have launched wellness apps and tools for employees to track and improve their mental well-being.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson focuses on holistic employee wellness through their Live for Life program, which emphasizes physical, mental, and emotional health. They encourage employees to take care of their mental health through stress management courses and well-being challenges.
Conclusion
Mental health is no longer an afterthought; it is a central part of how organizations structure their workplace policies. Companies like Wateen are leading the way by providing access to therapists, organizing wellness programs, and creating a supportive work culture that places mental health at the forefront.
Other global companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Unilever, are also setting an example by integrating mental health into their work environment. As World Mental Health Day reminds us, prioritizing mental health is essential—not just for the well-being of employees, but for the success of businesses.
By making mental health a priority, companies ensure a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce, which ultimately leads to greater success and fulfillment for all.