In today’s fast-paced work environment, supporting mental health is more essential than ever. Mental health literacy—the knowledge and skills to foster wellbeing—is key to creating a workplace where individuals can thrive. But what exactly is mental health literacy in the workplace? It refers to the organization’s collective ability to support employee wellbeing, recognize mental health challenges, and foster an inclusive culture where open conversations about mental health are encouraged (Jorm, 2012).
What does strong mental health literacy look like in action? The 3Rs Framework—Recognize, Respond, Refer—provides a clear guide. This framework equips employees to identify when a coworker is struggling, respond with empathy, and guide them toward appropriate resources. Supporting coworkers can be challenging, which is why organizations benefit from prioritizing interpersonal skill development alongside mental health awareness.
Effective communication is foundational to fostering mental and emotional wellbeing in the workplace. Two essential skills that can easily be incorporated into daily interactions are active listening and the GIVE technique from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Linehan, 1993):
Active Listening: Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, listening without judgment, and responding thoughtfully. It helps validate colleagues’ feelings, builds trust, and strengthens working relationships.
The GIVE Skill:
G: Be Gentle — Approach conversations with kindness and respect, especially during stressful moments. Use a tone and body language that convey empathy.
I: Appear Interested — Show genuine curiosity about colleagues' perspectives, even when they differ from your own. This fosters stronger collaboration.
V: Validate — Acknowledge your colleagues' feelings and thoughts, creating an environment where they feel understood and valued.
E: Easy Manner — Maintain a lighthearted, approachable demeanor to reduce tension and promote open communication.
By consistently applying these skills, we can create a work environment where people feel psychologically safe and supported, leading to open communication, better collaboration, and greater job satisfaction.
Prioritizing mental health literacy and interpersonal skills not only enhances individual wellbeing but also leads to improved performance, stronger professional relationships, and a healthier work-life balance for everyone.
References:
Jorm, A. F. (2012). Mental health literacy: Empowering the community to take action for better mental health. American Psychologist, 67(3), 231.
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
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