Nurturing the Mind: Workday’s Holistic Approach to Mental Wellbeing

Maintaining mental and emotional well-being is a cornerstone of overall health and productivity. In today’s demanding environment, it can be easy to prioritize work and personal obligations over self-care. However, neglecting our wellbeing can have significant consequences. At Workday, we believe health benefits extend to the mind as well as the body. That’s why we’ve invested in providing all Workmates with timely access to high-quality mental and emotional wellbeing support. All Workmates and their family members can access on-demand resources, unlimited coaching sessions, and therapy sessions or counseling at no cost.

In my capacity as Workday’s Onsite APAC Regional Mental Health Consultant, I’m proud to partner with an organisation that prioritises employee well-being. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s an opportune time to prioritise our well-being.

So how can you identify when your own well-being might be at risk? We’ll explore some key indicators to be aware of. Additionally, I’ll share practical strategies you can implement to prioritise your mental health, alongside some positive shifts I’ve observed in employee wellness programs.

Areas of Support and Common Wellbeing Concerns

In my role as an onsite Mental Health Consultant, I support Workmates in several ways. I provide therapy or coaching depending on their specific needs, offer recommendations for managing emotional stress, and work alongside employees as part of their wellness journey. Some common concerns I’ve seen include family issues, communication issues at work and work-related stress.

Mental health concerns often reflect deeper emotional and psychological patterns. Many employees, whether they’re conscious of it or not, bring their whole selves to work, including unresolved personal challenges that can impact their professional experience. Effective solutions for these concerns require a holistic approach. This means considering not just the mind, but also the body and the individual’s emotional history. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where individuals feel seen and heard.

Identifying the Signs: Early Mental Wellbeing Signals

Mind and body are like two sides of the same coin. You can’t have one without the other. Just as a healthy body allows the mind to flourish, a positive mindset can support physical wellbeing.

Early signals of mental health “yellow flags” often manifest as observable changes in mood or behavior. For instance, someone experiencing emotional distress might show decreased productivity at work, withdraw from previously enjoyed social activities, or exhibit increased absenteeism.

The body mirrors this distress through physical symptoms such as persistent fatigue, recurring headaches, and significant appetite or sleep pattern changes. These symptoms are not just random occurrences; they are the body’s way of signaling that something is out of balance emotionally and psychologically. Listening to these signals and addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues is important to restore balance and health.

Prioritising Mental Wellbeing in a Busy Life

The key to your mental wellbeing is cultivating mindfulness and avoiding the compulsive busyness that can trap us. But how can we shift gears and learn to cherish each moment, honoring ourselves as much as the tasks on our plates?

It is second nature to care for others, but it takes some learning to also be accountable for ourselves. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is a form of deep respect for our being. It may involve establishing specific work hours and faithfully adhering to them, ensuring that each day includes breaks to breathe and be present.

Also seek to engage in activities that nourish your soul, whether reading quietly, moving your body through exercise, or cherishing the presence of loved ones. Each of these actions helps us to live fully in each moment and to recognise that caring for oneself is as vital as any work we do.

Juggling Self-Care and Work

Treat self-care time with the same respect you would a vital business appointment. We often prioritise any other task over our wellbeing, so it’s essential to consciously set aside time and space for self-care. Consider what activities bring you joy — whether it’s something fun or relaxing. When did you last truly enjoy yourself? Include these joyful activities into your schedule, not just as an intention but as a fixed appointment.

Learning to say “no” is also an important, learned skill. Declining extra responsibilities isn’t just a refusal; it’s an affirmation of your needs. An additional approach is to maintain strong connections with your support network, which may include colleagues or close friends. Regular check-ins with these supporters are important as they provide emotional backing, help manage stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Emerging Trends within Mental Health Programs

New workplace mental health initiatives are focusing more on how employees feel and connect with each other, not just on their mental health in isolation. This includes mental health training designed to boost empathy and resilience within teams.

Additionally, there is a global shift towards implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that support mental wellbeing and reduce stigma, particularly for minority groups. Efforts to normalise discussions about mental health are becoming more common, such as openly addressing mental health topics or celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in May. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to creating supportive and inclusive work environments.

At Workday, employees are our number one core value. We aim to help make mental health a priority so Workmates feel comfortable and empowered to be their best selves, both at work and at home. Learn more about the benefits and support programes offered to Workmates: benefits.workday.com

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