Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being In The Workplace

With the current state of affairs in our world, many of us are seeing an increased sense of fear, anxiety and depression in the workplace.   We are not immune to what is happening around us, and there are many factors that contribute to our need to be more vigilant about the mental health of our team members and support and guide them in their journey.     

So many people are afraid to ask for help, let alone confide that something is wrong.  There is palpable fear of rejection, loss of job and so much more.  Engaging with increased support for fostering the emotional well-being of your team, and adding money into the budget for mental health initiatives, has increased over twenty percent since 2021.  

While external triggers and home life are certainly contributing factors to mental health issues, we all know that workplace stress is a major factor, and can affect our well-being and mental state of mind. Employees are looking for better working conditions, flexibility and better wages, but what else can we do to create a more balanced workspace environment?  

In our industry, many design professionals are looking for work/life balance.  Employees look for flexibility in their work schedule, days in the office and paid time off.   It is more critical than ever to address these issues.  Whether someone has childcare, eldercare or a partner at home needing them, this is a major cause of stress for an employee and working to include flexibility will go a long way to creating a happier, calmer and more motivated team member.

Perhaps you can offer a lunch-time or early morning yoga session, a free meditation app as a perk, but this will not resolve the issue.   

Some people work well from home, while others crave interaction and connection.  Isolation is a major factor in identifying depression and anxiety, so offer collaborative environments where you create a safe space for your team.   

Encourage more teamwork – collaboration and effective communication is vital and lets them know that their opinions not only matter but are valued.  Use inclusive tactics.  This will create a climate of job security and can lead to less stress.

We should all consider more ergonomic workspace design for our teams as well as our clients. An ergonomic workspace can improve physical comfort, reduce eye, joint and muscle strain, which can positively impact mental well-being.

Adhere to biophilic design principles.  Bring more natural light, plant life and other natural materials to create a healthier workplace.  

Be inclusive:  Consider the needs of all users, including those with disabilities. Inclusive design can enhance the well-being of a diverse range of people and provide a more equitable workplace environment.

Be sustainable:  Sustainable design not only benefits the environment but can also positively impact mental well-being by creating spaces that promote a sense of responsibility and purpose.

Remember, fostering a positive and supportive work environment is essential. Prioritizing mental health in the interior design workplace can lead to better outcomes for designers, clients, and the overall industry.