Mental health issues are finally being discussed in public. But even then, it can feel like an awkward topic to broach at work. Over the last few years, organizations have been becoming more aware of the importance of mental health, and have been investing their resources to ensure the wellbeing of their employees. That's not surprising given how challenging the past 2 years have been for all of us.
We all know the obvious benefits of mentorship on professional and personal development, but what is less discussed is the huge impact it can have on mental health - for both mentors and mentees.
Mentoring Combats Isolation
Those of us struggling with mental health issues often feel isolated. Helping employees to overcome loneliness and isolation is a good way to improve their mental health. Mentoring is an effective solution because it gives your employees access to someone who can give them trusted and reliable advice and support them through any work challenges they are facing. It makes them feel like they have someone on their side, willing to go to bat with them.
Mentoring Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety is a frequent mental health issue, affecting more people than is reported. Anxiety at work impacts the well-being and performance of employees. But it can be drastically reduced by speaking to a mentor. Having a mentor gives you new perspectives and can help you develop different mindsets.
A study by Harvard Business Review showed the positive effects of mentoring and found that people who act as mentors also experience lower levels of anxiety, and describe their job as more meaningful.
Mentoring Boosts Self-Confidence
Mentors can provide a considerable boost to confidence which then positively impacts mental health. Mentees feel supported in their decisions and career path and often actually report an increase in their own self-confidence. Mentors experience improved self-esteem and confidence as well. Helping others achieve their goals results is rewarding and great for emotional wellbeing.
In these unprecedented times, taking good care of employees should be an important priority for any organization whose goal should be to ensure that their people are happy and healthy at work.
A happy workplace is the best workplace. Starting a mentoring program is the perfect way to improve career progression and also improve the mental health of the employees.