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Yellow September: The Role of Human Resources in Mental Health at Work
Companies and Human Resources professionals play a crucial role in the well-being of employees. The global campaign "Yellow September" has focused on raising awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of mental health in the workplace. In this article, we will delve into this initiative and explore why Human Resources professionals are essential in this matter.
Have you heard of Yellow September?
The international campaign "Yellow September" gained prominence thanks to the involvement of Antônio Geraldo da Silva, who chairs the Brazilian Association of Psychiatry (ABP). Since 2014, ABP, in collaboration with the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), has enlisted allies throughout Brazil to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
Although September 10th is the official date of World Suicide Prevention Day, actions are carried out throughout the month to spread more information on this topic among the population and promote preventive measures.
The "Yellow September" campaign is a global effort aimed at highlighting the importance of suicide prevention and mental health. However, it goes beyond awareness; it also focuses on actively engaging Human Resources professionals in promoting a work environment that fosters mental health and employee well-being.
Mental Health at Work:
In recent years, there has been an increase in mental health problems in the general population, and this has been reflected in the workplace, where employees may face challenges related to stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues.
Mental health issues extend beyond the individual, directly impacting productivity and job performance. It is well-documented that employees who do not feel mentally well may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and collaborating effectively.
Furthermore, there is often a stigma associated with mental health difficulties that can make it difficult for employees to seek help. Therefore, a lack of open communication and support can exacerbate these issues, both for the individual and the company.
The Fundamental Role of Human Resources:
Work is a crucial part of our daily lives, where we dedicate a significant percentage of our time and overall lives. Therefore, Human Resources must prioritize and safeguard the mental health of teams for the benefit of both parties. How can this be done? Here are some examples:
- Promote open conversations: Human Resources departments can lead the promotion of open discussions about mental health. This helps destigmatize issues and allows employees to feel more comfortable seeking support. If you're unsure where to start, we recommend starting with something as simple as a newsletter, offering a virtual library with books/articles on the topic, or conducting surveys to continually monitor the emotional well-being of teams.
- Create safe environments: A workplace that prioritizes mental health contributes to a safer and more welcoming corporate culture. Human Resources in a company should establish policies and practices that encourage inclusion and acceptance. Based on such surveys and internal studies, it's ideal to create written policies to ensure they are not just on paper.
- Cultivate resilient teams: Emotionally healthy employees tend to be more engaged and productive. Human Resources can provide resources for coping skills and stress management. At Luxe Talent, in collaboration with Retail Academy, we organize internal training that contributes to this goal, such as "Time Management."
- Promote well-being initiatives: Wellness programs that include mental health components are essential. Human Resources can lead the implementation of programs, which can range from mindfulness activities to psychological support programs. At Retail Academy, we offer training for companies on topics such as Happiness at Work, Stress Management, or Mindfulness in the workplace.
Mental Health in September and all Year:
The "Yellow September" campaign calls upon Human Resources professionals to embrace their influence and lead the way in promoting mental health at work. By doing so, we will not only contribute to the well-being of employees but also to the creation of safer, more inclusive, and productive work environments. It is time for Human Resources to commit to elevating mental health in companies worldwide. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of employees and in corporate culture as a whole. What initiatives are implemented in your company in this regard? If you need guidance and ideas to strengthen your team's mental health preservation and improvement strategy, you can contact us at info@retailacademy.es.
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