8 Tips to Humanize the Workplace, Improve Employee Engagement, and Increase Mental Health Awareness:

“40 seconds of action” is the 2019 World Mental Health Day theme. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every 40 seconds someone loses his or her life to suicide.

World Mental Health Day is every October 10. It’s important, though, that mental health awareness and support be part of every organization’s strategy, year ‘round.

Suicide prevention is the 2019 theme of World Mental Health Day. There are ways to prevent suicide at work, increase mental health awareness, and create a more human work environment. Human capital is at the heart of every organization, but with so many dehumanizing practices, businesses sometimes put their most important assets at risk.

Be aware and make mental health a strategic priority.

1. Keep employees informed. Bring in mental health experts to talk about risk factors and signs of someone who might be at risk of suicide.

2. Know the signs. Be aware of:

1. Someone who talks about feeling helpless, like life has no meaning.
2. Someone who has gone through a traumatic life event (a divorce, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job).
3. Someone who is getting their affairs “in order.”
4. Someone who starts to abuse alcohol or other substances.
5. A drop in production, difficulty completing tasks and getting along with colleagues.