Your mental health, peace and career (II) – Our Security, Our Peace by Prof. O.E Bassey

After spotlighting how as an employee you could strike a balance between work and life for the sake of your mental health, it is important to also emphasise the role of structure to these efforts.

A lot of organisations sadly don’t have the structures that support the promotion of their staff’s mental health, and this consequently detracts from whatever efforts employees have decided to take for the safety and flourish of their mental health.

In a bid to erase such narrative, here are some tips organisations can embrace to put in place structures that see to the protection and promotion of their staff’s mental health:

Create a Supportive Culture

Building a culture that prioritizes mental health starts from the top. Leadership must openly communicate the importance of mental well-being and set a positive example by practicing self-care and work-life balance. When leaders show vulnerability and discuss mental health openly, it reduces stigma and encourages employees to seek help when needed.

Provide Mental Health Resources

Offering resources such as counseling services, stress management resources, and referrals to mental health professionals can go a long way to impact the mental health of your staff. You could also provide access to online mental health platforms and apps can make support more accessible.

3. Implement Flexible Work Policies

Flexibility in the workplace is crucial for mental health. Allowing employees to work remotely, offering flexible hours, or implementing compressed workweeks can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance. Flexibility enables employees to manage their personal responsibilities alongside their professional duties, leading to better overall well-being.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Encouraging employees to take regular breaks, use their vacation time, and disconnect after work hours is essential. Organizations should discourage a culture of overwork and instead promote the idea that taking time off is beneficial for productivity and creativity. Regularly reminding employees to prioritize self-care can reinforce this message.

5. Offer Mental Health Training

Training programs for employees and managers can raise awareness about mental health issues and provide strategies for managing stress and supporting colleagues. Mental health first aid training can equip managers with the skills to recognize signs of distress and offer appropriate support.

6. Foster Social Connections

Creating opportunities for employees to connect socially can improve mental well-being. Team-building activities, social events, and collaborative projects can strengthen relationships and provide a sense of community. Social support at work can act as a buffer against stress and improve overall morale.

7. Encourage Physical Health

Physical health and mental health are closely linked. Organizations can support physical well-being through initiatives such as wellness programs, gym memberships, or on-site fitness classes. Encouraging physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental health.

8. Provide a Comfortable Work Environment

The physical work environment can significantly impact mental health. Ensuring that workspaces are comfortable, well-lit, and ergonomically designed can reduce physical strain and create a more pleasant atmosphere. Additionally, providing quiet spaces for relaxation or meditation can help employees manage stress during the workday.

Matthew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old as young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.

It is in our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

So, this is a call to action, to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a beneficiary of this.

You can also get my book titled “The Peace-Sensitive Organisation” for more expert tips on promoting and leading peace in a public or private workplace.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

X: Dr. O.E Bassey

WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com