Managing early warning workplace mental health signs

Overview:
Workplace mental stress can have negative impacts on

Mental health.

productivity, innovation, energy levels, relationships, and staff turnover. Creating a healthy working environment that addresses mental health concerns is essential for the success of the organization.

Goal:
The goal is to create a mentally healthy workplace in Papua New Guinea.

Objectives:
1. Provide line managers with First Aid Mental Health knowledge and skills.
2. Help line managers and workers self-assess their mental stress levels.
3. Reduce industrial injuries and increase business productivity.

Target Audience:
The target audience includes line managers and the workforce who are responsible for implementing organizational policies.
Relevance to PNG Workplace Settings:

There is a lack of first aid mental health training and accessible mental health diagnostic tools in both public and private sectors. Managing mental health concerns at the workplace is underrated due to a lack of understanding of the costs and benefits. Early warning signs of mental discomfort, such as frequent sick leave or tardiness, can have significant financial costs.

Beneficiaries:
Both line managers and the workforce will benefit from the proposed program, leading to positive contributions to the organization and families.
Workplace Mental Stress Model:
The model considers line managers as central to the organization's success and focuses on relieving their psychological strain. Job demand and pressures can lead to stress in line managers, which can then affect the workforce and overall work relationships.

Push-down-Push-up Factors:
When line managers push job demands onto workers and workers withdraw effective participation, it can cause conflict and stress. Line managers should delegate tasks according to job skill attributes and consider workers' family, social, and cultural issues to prevent unnecessary stress.
Impact of Mental Health Stress:
Workplace mental health stress affects cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physiological reactions to work. It can lead to depression, mood disorders, cardiovascular health conditions, and physical symptoms like headaches and chest pain. Behavioral indicators of stress include absenteeism, rework, and unhealthy behavior.
Intervention Strategies:

1. Provide First Aid Mental Health training for line managers and safety workers.
2. Use toolbox meetings to conduct mental health educational programs.
3. Use the Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Stress Tool to detect signs of stress.
4. Hire professional counselors, social workers, or psychologists.
5. Establish a network with relevant organizations for support and referrals.

Summary:
Investing in social welfare is crucial for business success. Workplace mental stress has significant financial implications in Papua New Guinea. By addressing mental health concerns, organizations can improve productivity and overall well-being.

List of References.
1. Betty. K., Anthony. J. & Claire. K. (2017), 4th Edition Mental Health First AIDS Manual, Australia.
2.MHFA Line Managers’ Resource (2016), MHFA www.mhfaengland.org  England CIC  
3. Skinner, N. & Roche, A.M. (2005). Stress and Burnout, A Prevention Handbook for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Workforce. Flinders University, Australia. 
4.Stavroula., L, Aditya J. (2014-202), EU Compass for Action on Mental Health and Well-Being, Mental Health in the Workplace in Europe, Center for Organizational Health & Development, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham,
5. World Health Organization (2013), Mental Health Policy and Service Development, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Papua New Guinea. 
6. the University of Buffalo, School of Social Work, Self-Care Exercises and Activities, 
http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit/self-care-assessments-exercises/exercises-and-activities.html#title_6 New York, USA.
7.https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/qa/what-are-the-cognitive-symptoms-of-stress
8.https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-signs-and-causes.htm