World Mental Health Day represents another opportunity to contemplate the role of mental health and well-being in the workplace. This is a critical issue that has been growing in importance in recent years and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the OECD during the pandemic, ‘the risk factors for poor mental health – financial insecurity, unemployment, fear – increased, while protective factors – social connection, employment and educational engagement, access to physical exercise, daily routine, access to health services – decreased. Employers must contribute to supporting the mental health of employees’.

In this article, RSM experts from around the world share their views on the differences between mental health and mental well-being and the practical measures that can alleviate stress and anxiety, from a personal perspective and that of a line-manager.

What is the significance of World Mental Health Day? 

Candice Eaton Gaul, Global Diversity & Inclusion Leader at RSM International, said: 

‘Mental health is multifaceted and integrated with so many other aspects of our lives. Each person has their own set of variables that impact their mental health both positively and negatively. The more open we are to discussing our own mental health, the deeper the understanding we have over the variables that affect it. This, in turn, means we are more comfortable asking for help and offering support to others. 

‘Every individual has the power to play their part in eliminating stigma and discrimination towards mental health and well-being. 

‘My message for World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2022 is; “Make your mental health and well-being a priority, and for others, in every instance, act with compassion”’. 

What is mental health? And what is the difference between that and mental well-being? 

Dr Robert Coles, Chief Culture and Transformation Officer at RSM International, said: 

‘An interesting question, as these are terms often used interchangeably. Mental health is, to a large extent, to do with thinking and meaning. When we are feeling in control of our life environment, then we feel mentally healthy. In this way, mental health is similar to physical health. When things feel out of control, or overly complicated, then we can feel mentally challenged or threatened. These feelings often have poor work relationships at their heart.’ 

He continued, ‘Well-being is slightly different but related; you know those mornings when you wake up and you feel that all is well in the world? That is when we experience well-being. We should take time to feel those moments.’ 

What can each of us do to protect and enhance our mental well-being? 

Adam Aspbury, Wellbeing Specialist, RSM UK, said: 

‘Mental health is as important as physical health, and it isn’t static so we must take the time to recognise and learn the signs and signals that our own mental well-being is changing. It is completely normal for this to happen, so increasing your knowledge about what this may look like for you is important. When an individual can spot the signs of change quickly, they are then able to put solutions in place earlier.’ 

Kieran Murphy, Director, Global Learning and Professional Development, RSM Canada, said: 

‘My advice is: Don’t be too tough on yourself, remember to breathe during times of stress and make sure you take time out to reflect and meditate.’ 

Mandi Bouwer, Registered Psychologist, RSM South Africa, said: 

‘Also, get to know yourself; your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes; and your needs in the stage of your life and what are your negative triggers. In addition, build an extensive emotional vocabulary to be able to identify and express your emotions. Finally, prioritise your well-being by taking time to take care of your physical and mental health, as well as important social connections.’ 

Kieran Murphy, Director, Global Learning and Professional Development, RSM Canada, said: 

‘I’ve felt that choosing to be present has been helpful. A few years back, I was lucky enough to be on a cruise to the Bahamas. While this might have sounded like the perfect holiday, I was sitting on the beach racked with anxiety. I thought, “What if my job needs me? What if I’ve messed up and they can’t reach me?” and even, “What if they don’t like me anymore?”. 

‘To overcome these doubts, I forced myself to be present and reminded myself that as of right now, I was fine. I closed my eyes, breathed in and out and I could feel the sand between my toes, I could feel the sun on my face, I could hear my children playing in the waves. As of that moment, everything was okay. Choosing to live in the moment rather than in the past (which has happened and can’t be changed) or the future (which hasn’t happened yet), really has helped me through some difficult times.’ 

How can people learn more about their own mental health? 

Kieran Murphy, Director, Global Learning and Professional Development, RSM Canada, said: 

‘With my own personal mental health journey, it meant identifying things that would trigger my depression as early as possible. I would visualise a fork in the road; one street would be beautiful and sunny and the other would be dull and raining, with big holes in the road. I would inevitably choose to walk down the rainy street and fall into one of the holes. Over time, I learned to mentally sidestep the holes in the road and eventually, I would make a mental choice not to go down the rainy street at all, and sometimes that meant seeking external support in different forms.’ 

Mandi Bouwer, Registered Psychologist, RSM South Africa, said: 

‘If you can afford to, and have access to experts such as counsellors, then this is a great way to enhance your mental health knowledge. Alternatively, podcasts are a great way of educating yourself, allowing for self-reflection which can be done on the go. Try to find podcasts or resources from experts in their field - for example, grief. I find Brené Brown particularly good to listen to, she explains things in such a clear way. 

‘Focus on the journey of finding out who you are, the wounds you have, understanding why you react the way you do, and how to focus on your own positive self-esteem. Attending therapy with a qualified professional is a good way to get feedback and advice on areas to discover that would most benefit you. It is also good, generally, to read, listen to podcasts and make use of social media on positive topics such as self-awareness and mindfulness.’ 

There is still a lot of stigma regarding mental health issues, how would you suggest opening up to friends and family where this is a concern? 

Adam Aspbury, Wellbeing Specialist, RSM UK, said: 

‘Do it at a pace and place that works for you. Research and experience show us that talking is a vital stage of support with regards to mental health. So, take a step towards talking that feels safe to you. This might not be sharing everything with everyone, but sharing at a pace you set may feel more comfortable. If it helps, having a friend or family member with you when sharing your concerns can help.’ 

Mandi Bouwer, Registered Psychologist, RSM South Africa, said: 

‘There is still a great task ahead of us to educate and increase awareness on emotional illnesses. It can feel like a mountain to overcome if you believe your culture, social and your work environments will not understand your emotional situation and emotional meltdown. Firstly, you need to embrace and understand yourself and your feelings, and view yourself as the most precious person on earth. Seek professional help, but in my experience, it is loved ones who often feel honoured to help in times of need, and a professional will also be willing to help you to seek help from your family or employer. Take back the power over your well-being by taking action to protect and enhance it.’ 

How do you suggest people go about having supportive conversations with others when mental health concerns are expressed? 

Hannah Wildsmith, Associate Director, Wellbeing, RSM UK, said: 

‘Put phones, emails and distractions away, and ensure that you have enough time to talk, this is not a conversation to cut short. Listening and asking open-ended questions help to create a nice flow. It can also help to repeat a little of what they have said, this shows you are listening and have understood.’ 

Mandi Bouwer, Registered Psychologist, RSM South Africa, said: 

‘Take the person to a private space so that you can listen uninterrupted. Don’t interrupt or offer an opinion unless asked. Do not make a joke about what is being said or someone’s feelings, it takes courage to open up and it can feel very vulnerable. Thank the person for trusting you and assure them that you are there for them. Contact a professional person and report it with their consent. Be a source of support if possible, in taking the person to the consultation or hospital if needed. Check in regularly and ask how they are doing.’ 

To guard against stress and burnout, what are your tips for ensuring a good work life balance? 

Hannah Wildsmith, Associate Director, Wellbeing, RSM UK, said: 

‘Work out what your non-negotiable is. Something that you value highly and brings you joy. Setting a boundary around this is an effective way to create a positive work-life balance. Ensure this is the first thing you plan in your days and aim to make it something that cannot be moved or cancelled. The actual thing can be anything that you value, such as reading a book, exercise, seeing friends.’ 

Dr Robert Coles, Chief Culture and Transformation Officer at RSM International, said: 

‘When we are under stress or pressure, our thinking strategies become under pressure. Equally, there is a tendency for people to withdraw socially, or to become aggressive – in this context, it is a form of self-defence. Two things that help me: first, book time with yourself every week, just to stop and think. Your brain does not work well under constant pressure of action and interaction. Your thinking suffers, and so, in turn, does your decision making. Secondly, have a ‘go-to person’ to talk to; not necessarily to solve your problems, but simply to listen and share.’ 

Hannah Wildsmith, Associate Director, Wellbeing, RSM UK, added: 

‘It’s normal to ruminate on our day after we finish work for the day. Going out for a short walk or even a ‘fake commute’ after logging off helps us to switch from work to family mode.’ 

What are the key considerations for line-managers when it comes to tackling conversations with their team members about stress, burnout and mental health in the workplace? 

Hannah Wildsmith, Associate Director, Wellbeing, RSM UK, added: 

‘Build an environment where people feel safe to talk and share their personal circumstances. It’s also really important to understand that stress or burnout impact us all differently and is extremely individual to each of us, so listen and support with no prior judgements. There are no hierarchies in mental health. Finally, line managers have to recognise the importance of looking after themselves and protecting their own mental health.’ 

Kieran Murphy, Director, Global Learning and Professional Development, RSM Canada, said: 

‘Being present and vulnerable with your staff is so important. Staff want to know they are being listened to. Close your email, put away your phone, and when you meet with your staff make sure you are focused on them. Make yourself available as a manager and recognise the significance of creating the trust relationship. ‘If a member of my staff is feeling burnout, I make sure to understand their workload and assist with rescheduling or prioritising with them. Working together to determine priorities can ensure that they feel more in control and supported.’ 

What can leaders do to create a culture that supports employees in their mental health and well-being? 

Dr Robert Coles, Chief Culture and Transformation Officer at RSM International, concluded: 

‘Leaders can encourage collaborative effort, reward those who promote it, and get out of the longstanding habit of relying on individual heroes. This latter habit burns out your best people, disempowers others, and discourages integration of thinking, dialogue and action. Sustainable teams work together, combining their thinking strategies and experience to the benefit of the work at hand but also to the benefit of the mental health of their colleagues more generally.’