World Mental Health Day 2024

BDMS Wellness Clinic Supports A Healthy Workplace! 

When the workplace is one of the areas of diversity, creating an environment that prioritizes mental health and understands diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is becoming increasingly important. These three aspects are interconnected and are vital for overall well-being. They enhance work performance and foster a positive culture within the organization.

Fundamentally, each individual comes from diverse backgrounds, including age, gender, religion, race, education level, sexual orientation, and belief systems. They often face various challenges that can negatively impact their mental health. Discrimination, harassment, and biased behaviors contribute to stress, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, which can ultimately affect work performance.

Therefore, embracing and understanding the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will help create a new organizational culture that serves as a welcoming space for everyone.

Here’s a comprehensive integration of mental health and acceptance of diversity:

1. Promoting a Culture that Supports Mental Health

Cultural competence involves behaviors, attitudes, and practices that can be adapted in diverse social contexts. This includes providing counseling services that understand the root causes of mental health issues, leading to more targeted and effective solutions.

2. Training and Education

Organizations should creatively incorporate themes of diversity, equity, and acceptance into mental health care training programs. This will raise awareness within the organization about the importance of acknowledging and embracing differences.

3. Policies for Accepting Individual Differences

Organizations should develop and support policies related to mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This includes anti-discrimination policies and the establishment of spaces for shared experiences, such as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

4. Leadership Commitment

It is undeniable that leaders play a crucial role in driving and supporting positive experiences. Recognizing the importance of mental health is essential for fostering a workplace atmosphere where equality and diversity are embraced collectively.

5. Listening to Feedback and Protecting Whistleblowers

Organizations should create safe spaces for individuals to voice their concerns and ensure protection for those who come forward throughout the complaint process. This includes providing support for victims of rights violations and addressing the potential psychological impacts they may face.

Integrating mental health with diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for creating a supportive workplace. Understanding the mental health needs of individuals in a diverse organization enhances employee well-being, fosters new value, and facilitates organizational success.

BDMS is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity, equality, and collaboration that supports the mental health of all personnel. This approach not only adds value to the organization but also drives innovation and propels the organization toward sustainability.

Reference

1. Williams DR, Mohammed SA. Racism and Health I: Pathways and Scientific Evidence. Am Behav Sci. 2013;57(8):10.1177/0002764213487340. 
2. Lewis TT, Cogburn CD, Williams DR. Self-reported experiences of discrimination and health: scientific advances, ongoing controversies, and emerging issues. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2015;11:407-40.
3. Wu A, Roemer EC, Kent KB, Ballard DW, Goetzel RZ. Organizational Best Practices Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace. J Occup Environ Med. 2021;63(12):e925-31.
4. McGuire TG, Miranda J. New evidence regarding racial and ethnic disparities in mental health: policy implications. Health Aff (Millwood). 2008;27(2):393-403.
5. Randel AE, Dean MA, Ehrhart KH, Chung B, Shore L. Leader inclusiveness, psychological diversity climate, and helping behaviors. Journal of Managerial Psychology. 2016 Feb 8;31(1):216–34.