This week Asia has been celebrating Employee Wellbeing Week – between the 5th and 9th October 2020 – in the run up to Word Mental Health Day.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), United for Global Mental Health and the World Federation for Mental Health are encouraging workplaces to step up and invest in mental health support for their employees (as reported). Given the stress, anguish and disruption caused by Covid-19, they want employers worldwide to scale-up investment in workplace mental health. After all, only by nurturing positive mental health and building resilience, can employees deal with the daily stresses of life and function at their best.
GREEN RIBBON CAMPAIGN
Community Business has been busy helping organisations across Asia to support staff mental health and wellbeing. According to its research, the subject of mental health has long been surrounded by a culture of silence in the region. Until recently few companies have tackled this sensitive topic head-on. So the non-profit partnered with the international Green Ribbon campaign to help end the stigma around mental health in the workplace. To help raise a visible movement of support, Community Business has encouraged employers in Asia to run a Green Ribbon campaign for staff.
The green ribbons, physical and digital, “create a visible movement of support for ending the stigma”, according to Community Business. “It shows those struggling with mental health issues that there is support and that they’re not alone.” In light of the social distancing measures currently in place, the Green Ribbon campaign has gone virtual. Rather than turning workplaces green and handing out physical green ribbons, Community Business joined The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, to spread the Green Ribbon message online. It has been encouraging employers to share the digital Green Ribbon far and wide with the #endthestigma hashtag.
TOP TIPS
Community Business believes emotional wellbeing is about encouraging employees to be mindful of their emotional and mental state. The non-profit recommends the following tips and advice to promote wellbeing in your organisation:
- Organise your own employee wellbeing event and perhaps invite an external expert.
- Share an interesting video or TEDTalk related to employee wellbeing. Community Business has collated a series of videos to increase understanding and encourage conversation.
- Consider introducing a new policy or benefit, specifically designed to enhance the wellbeing of your employees. For example, a new flexible working policy or benefit to encourage employees to take charge of their physical wellbeing.
- Promote the Green Ribbon campaign to your employees to raise awareness of mental health in your workplace. Distribute the green ribbons virtually to end the stigma and spark conversation about mental health.
- Consider introducing a This is Me programme in your organisation, encouraging employees to share their personal stories of mental health. This is Me centres on sharing stories and lived experiences of disability and mental health to challenge the stigma and open up conversations about these sensitive subjects in the workplace. Community Business is currently promoting this campaign to companies in India.
- Finally, encourage your employees to tune into Community Business’ Emotional Wellbeing LIVE! Day on Friday 9th October 2020, broadcast on its Asia Employee Wellbeing Virtual Platform. The virtual event comprises webinars by leading experts on different aspects of emotional wellbeing, including: happiness, resilience and mental health. Click here for more information about the event.
2021 ASIA EMPLOYEE WELLBEING AWARDS
To celebrate Asia’s Employee Wellbeing Week, Community Business has also launched the 2021 Asia Employee Wellbeing Awards. These pioneering awards are designed to celebrate the promotion of employee wellbeing in the workplace in Asia, reported Community Business. There will be four award categories open for submissions. They include:
- Emotional Wellbeing Award
- Financial Wellbeing Award
- Physical Wellbeing Award
- Work-life Harmony Award sponsored by Northern Trust
Nominations are already open. Click here for more information.
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