According to The Mental State of the World in 2022 report, an alarming 35.8% of South Africa’s population is grappling with mental health issues, the highest percentage of any country surveyed. As we enter a new year, it’s imperative to recognise that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being and plays a vital role is employees being able to perform in the workplace. Dr. Marion Borcherds, Senior Manager and Head of Wellbeing at AfroCentric, a subsidiary company of Sanlam, says it’s important to create an open dialogue around mental health in workspaces to dismantle the stigma.
“For many young professionals navigating the demanding landscapes of their careers, the fear of judgement and potential repercussions often shrouds mental health struggles in silence. There is also a prevailing misconception that acknowledging mental health challenges equates to weakness or incompetence perpetuates the stigma.” In fact, findings from a UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll show that 65% of young people with mental health-related issues did not seek help.
With people in South Africa spending much of their time at work, it’s important for work environments to make space in work dynamics for young professionals to be able to speak about their mental health and for employees to be given that support as mental health cannot be isolated from work.
Here, Dr Borcherds shares ways mental health stigmas can be broken in work environments in 2024:
- Normalise having conversations about mental health:
Breaking the silence surrounding mental health starts with normalising conversations and unfortunately this is still not done sufficiently in work environments. Young professionals should be encouraged to discuss their mental health as openly as work performance is discussed as both these go hand in hand.
Mental health challenges have risen post-Covid, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Within the workplace, wellness programmes are essential to encourage resilience and should be designed in a collaborative way that reflects employee needs. Employers can help by ensuring participates by setting up “think tanks” in which they participate and provide strategic insights into programme design.
Workplaces in the country need to take the time to educate themselves internally about different mental health conditions, treatments, and coping mechanisms. This not only reduces the fear associated with mental health but enables companies to create a safe space for all their employees. Knowledge should be shared with colleagues to contribute to a more informed and empathetic workplace culture and combat the mental health stigma.
- Be mindful of your language:
Language plays a powerful role in shaping perceptions. Various companies can contribute to destigmatising mental health by being mindful of the words they used within workspaces. Avoid derogatory terms or casual language that play down mental health issues. By choosing your words carefully, you help create an environment where people feel respected and understood.
- Seek support!
If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to seek support and that support should foremost be made available in the work environment. Whether it’s through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP), counselling services or talking to a trusted colleague, reaching out is a sign of strength.
Recognising the need to broaden the scope of retirement funds from purely financial stability to also address mental well-being, Sanlam Umbrella Fund recently provided access to free psychology sessions for members. Nzwananai Shoniwa, Managing Executive at Sanlam Corporate says this holistic approach supports employees who struggle with stress, depression and anxiety while tackling rising absenteeism due to mental health challenges.
- When you’re comfortable, share your testimonial:
If you feel comfortable, consider sharing your own experiences with mental health with people you work with. By opening up about your journey, you not only contribute to a culture of vulnerability and authenticity but also provide others with the assurance that they are not alone.
“Addressing the silent struggle of mental health stigma among young professionals requires collective effort and a commitment to developing an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. By implementing these tips, young professionals can contribute to breaking down the barriers,” concludes Dr Borcherds.
Also see: Why you should start the year with a social media detox
