As managers in the public sector, we play a crucial role in the well-being of our team members. While the focus often lies on meeting deadlines and achieving targets, it’s equally important to prioritize the mental health of your employees. As public servants, we take care of our residents, but often forget to take care of ourselves. A mentally healthy CAO and ACAO is more engaging than one who has chosen to place mental health on the back burner.
This article provides 10 tips for not only CAO/ACAOs but all public servants on how to prioritize health within your organization, along with innovative ways to do so that won’t “break the bank.” By prioritizing public health within their organizations, public service managers can create a culture of wellness and contribute to the overall well-being of their employees and communities.
Work-related stress, burnout, and mental health issues can have profound effects on employee performance, productivity, and morale in the public sector. When left unaddressed, these issues can undermine organizational effectiveness and compromise the well-being of both individuals and teams. How can you prevent these related issues? Introduce innovative safeguards in the workplace to assist with burnout.
1. Lead by Example.
Managers should exemplify healthy behaviors themselves, such as taking breaks, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a work-life balance. This sets a positive example for their team members to follow.
2. Implement Workplace Wellness Programs.
Introduce programs that promote physical activity, healthy eating, stress management, and regular health screenings. Encourage participation and provide incentives for employees to engage in these programs. The city hosts a quarterly produce giveaway for employees. The city partners with a local vendor to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to city staff. Staff members are allowed one bag of produce and can choose up to five items to add to their bag.
3. Provide Health Education.
Offer educational sessions or workshops on various health topics relevant to your organization, such as nutrition, mental health, and disease prevention. Ensure that employees have access to accurate and up-to-date health information.
4. Create a Healthy Work Environment.
Design workspaces that support employee health and well-being, such as ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting, and proper ventilation. Encourage regular breaks and provide opportunities for employees to move around throughout the day.
5. Promote Mental Health Awareness.
Implement policies and programs to support employee mental health, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, and mental health awareness training for managers and employees. Foster a supportive work environment
where employees feel comfortable seeking help for mental health issues.
6. Encourage Physical Activity.
Promote physical activity by offering incentives for employees to participate in fitness challenges, providing access to onsite exercise facilities or discounted gym memberships, and organizing group fitness activities.
7. Stay Informed and Adapt.
Stay informed about emerging public health issues and adapt your policies and procedures accordingly. Be prepared to respond effectively to health crises or emergencies, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters, to protect the health and safety of your employees and the community.
8. Flexible Work Arrangements.
Offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to support work-life balance and reduce stress among employees. This can also help employees avoid long commutes and have more time for physical activity or relaxation.
9. Peer Support Networks.
Facilitate peer support networks or wellness committees within the workplace where employees can connect with colleagues who share similar health goals and interests. Peer support can provide motivation, accountability, and a sense of community around health and wellness initiatives.
10. Health Screenings and Preventative Care.
Provide access to health screenings, preventive care services, and immunizations onsite or through partnerships with healthcare providers. Encourage employees to participate in regular health screenings and preventive health measures to detect and prevent health problems early. Idea: Create an employee health fair to provide onsite screenings free of charge and to provide healthcare information to employees.
As managers in the public sector, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your employees by prioritizing their mental health. By fostering a supportive work environment, recognizing signs of mental health issues, providing resources and support, and investing in training and education, you can help create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
CHELSEA JACKSON is deputy city manager of Douglasville, Georgia.
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