By Karin Brauner, Atrium Specialist Counsellor

Anxiety in the workplace is a tricky topic for both employers and employees. However, this doesn’t need to be the case.

There is value in getting a diagnosis regarding anxiety, as individuals can then obtain support. Counselling, temporary anxiety or depression medication to help you process and work through the tough times, group support and practical, daily lifestyle support are all tools that can help support you and your mental wellbeing both at work and at home. Here are some direct-action steps you can take in the workplace, whether you are a leader or team member, to help support someone who has anxiety.

For Employers

1. Encourage workplace conversations about mental health, thereby normalising these conversations as well as making the workplace a safe space to talk about these issues and get support. Contact Atrium HR today to find out how we can support your workplace to achieve this.
2. Provide counselling support for your employees, so they can anonymously and confidentially access help. That is why we are here! Pointing your team members towards their Atrium wellness portal is the best way to get started.
3. Reassure your employees that, if they were to disclose mental health issues, these issues would be taken seriously and dealt with sensitively and confidentially, and should they need time off, this would be accommodated. While it can be hard to lose a member of staff for a short period of time, in the long term it will be more cost-effective to provide support straight away.

For Employees

1. Be open and honest about your anxiety or other struggles. Atrium’s wellness service is completely confidential. You can reach our counsellors here.
2. Find out what accommodations your workplace has when an employee is dealing with mental health issues – perhaps by having a conversation with your HR department, or a manager you can trust.
3. Make sure you know and understand the procedures for how your wellbeing is protected and supported in the workplace. Understanding what your employer is doing to ensure mental health inclusion, and what the applicable policies are for sick days and stress leave etc will encourage you and give you peace of mind if you decide to discuss your mental health issues with your employer.

Let’s begin to normalise mental health conversations in the workplace. Your wellbeing matters, and caring for your mental health is as important as caring for your physical health. Reach out to Atrium today to begin your wellbeing journey.