Introduction “Health is Wealth” — this age-old saying holds profound truth, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

As Kabir Das ji wisely said:

“जो तन लागी सो मन लागी, मन लागी सो जान। कहैकबीर सुनो भाई साधो, यह वििेक पहचान॥”

This doha emphasizes the deep connection between body and mind—what affects the body affects the mind, and vice versa. In the modern workplace, understanding and nurturing this connection is crucial for both individual satisfaction and organizational success

Mental Health vis-à-vis Physical Health

“The mind and body are not separate. What affects one, affects the other.” Mental health encompasses more than just the state of our minds; it also covers physical, emotional, psychological, and social behavior. It includes how we think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

The Bhagavad Gita beautifully describes a stable mind:

“प्रशान्तमनसंह्येनंयोवगनंसुखमुत्तमम्। उपैवत शान्तरजसं ब्रह्मभूतमकल्मषम्॥”

This sloka suggests that a person with a peaceful mind attains supreme happiness.

The mechanisms of mental health include:

• Our emotions: Feeling of care, love, affection, anger, sad, depression, nervousness, guilt etc.
• Inner happiness: It is deep sense of contentment that comes from within.
• Social security: Feeling of safety and support that comes from being a part of community or having a reliable social network
• Reasoning: Analyzing fact, thinking logically and critically to make decisions.
• Flexibility: Being open to new ideas, shifting plan or approach whenever necessary.
• Self-respect: Giving respect to own values, beliefs, abilities, or well-being.

What is the Workplace? “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” — Steve Jobs

The workplace today can be a physical location, your home (work from home), or hybrid (both office and home). A workplace refers to shops, factories, offices, hospitals, banks, or any institutions where individuals work and earn a living.

The Relationship Between Mental Health and the Workplace

There is a direct relationship between workplace conditions and mental health. Poor mental health can lead to decreased productivity, while a supportive work environment can enhance job satisfaction. The impact of a negative workplace can include:

• Increased workload and time pressure: Having too much work to do in a limited time, causing stress.
• Lack of control over work: Not having the ability to make decisions about your tasks or how they are done.
• Poor relationships with colleagues: Struggling to get along with coworkers, leading to tension or conflict.
• Unclear job expectations: Not knowing exactly what is expected of you in your role, causing confusion.
• Lack of recognition: Not receiving appreciation or acknowledgment for your efforts and achievements.
• Job insecurity: Worrying about losing your job or not having stable employment.

These factors can lead to poor mental health, resulting in significant costs for both employees and organizations. The cost of poor mental health is significant:

• Increased absenteeism: More employees frequently missing work, leading to disruptions.
• Lower productivity: A reduction in work output and efficiency by employees.
• Higher turnover: Increased rate of employees leaving the company, requiring replacements.
• Increased healthcare costs: Rising expenses related to employee health benefits and medical care.
• Poor team morale: Decline in team spirit, motivation, and overall job satisfaction.
• Damaged company reputation:Negative perception of the company by the public or stakeholders due to various issues.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion each year in lost productivity.

As the Hindi saying goes:
“तन की लागी टन मेंजाय, मन की लागी कौन उपाय”

This states that while physical disease is visible and can be cured with medicine, mental distress requires different, more nuanced solutions, as they are not immediately apparent.

Techniques for Maintaining Good Mental Health at Work Break the Monotony

Many progressive companies implement creative breaks during the workday. For example, some organizations incorporate:

• 15-minute dance sessions
• 10-minute meditation breaks
• Quick team games or exercises

These activities align with the wisdom found in the Bhagavad Gita:
“युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कममसु। युक्तस्वप्नािबोधस्य योगो भिवत दु ुःखहा॥”

This verse emphasizes the importance of balance in all activities for reducing suffering and maintaining good health.

• Create a Supportive Environment
  • Encourage open communication
  • Provide mental health resources
  • Train managers in mental health awareness
  • Implement flexible working arrangements
  • Encourage work-life balance

For instance, Microsoft has adopted flexible working hours and telecommuting options, allowing employees to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. This flexibility has led to a reduction in burnout and an increase in job satisfaction.

• Stress Management Programs
  Implement comprehensive stress management initiatives:
  • Regular workshops
  • Counseling services
  • Mindfulness sessions
  • Time management training

Salesforce is known for its mindfulness programs, which include meditation rooms in their offices and regular mindfulness workshops. These initiatives have been linked to increased employee morale and reduced levels of stress.

The Role of Leadership in Promoting Mental Health
Leaders play a crucial role in promoting mental health at work. As Kabir Das says:
“गुरु कु म्हार वशष्य कुं भ है, गव़ि-गव़ि का़िैखोट। अंतर हाथ सहार दै, बाहर बाहैचोट॥”

This doha compares a teacher (or leader) to a potter who carefully shapes the clay (employee), providing support from within while shaping from outside. Similarly, leaders should:

• • Lead by example in prioritizing mental health
  • Create psychological safety
  • Provide resources and support
  • Recognize and address mental health challenges
  • Foster a culture of openness and acceptance

For instance, Unilever has implemented a mental health initiative led by its CEO, who openly discusses mental health challenges and encourages employees to share their experiences. This openness has fostered a culture of trust and support within the organization.

Practical Steps for Employees/Associates/Partners Individuals can take several steps to maintain good mental health:

• Practice mindfulness and meditation
• Take regular breaks
• Maintain work-life boundaries
• Seek support when needed
• Engage in physical exercise
• Build positive relationships at work

As the Bhagavad Gita advises:
“उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानंनात्मानमिसादयेत्। आत्मैि ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैि ररपुरात्मनुः ॥”

This verse reminds us that we must lift ourselves by our own efforts and not degrade ourselves. Creating a Mental Health-Friendly Workplace Culture A truly supportive workplace culture:

• Destigmatizes mental health issues
• Provides wide-ranging mental health benefits
• Encourages regular mental health check-ins
• Promotes work-life integration
• Focuses on prevention as well as treatment

Addressing potential challenges organizations may face when implementing mental health initiatives is crucial. For example, a survey by Mind Share Partners found that 67% of employees feel uncomfortable discussing mental health with their managers, which can hinder the effectiveness of any initiatives. Companies can tackle this issue by providing training for managers on how to approach mental health conversations sensitively and effectively. Conclusion
In summary, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential not just for employee well-being but also for enhancing productivity and organizational success. As emphasized herein, both employees and employers must collaborate to foster a supportive environment that values mental wellness.
The journey to good mental health at the workplace is ongoing, but with dedication, awareness, and the right practices, we can create environments where both employees and organizations thrive. As the ancient wisdom suggests, when we take care of the mind, everything else follows.

Remember, in the words of the Bhagavad Gita:
“योग: कममसुकौशलम्”
Yoga (balance) is excellence in action. By striving for balance in our work lives, we can achieve true success— success that includes not just professional achievements but also personal well-being and fulfillment.
Kabir’s doha “धीरे-धीरेरेमना” is a beautiful piece of wisdom about patience and the natural pace of life: धीरे-धीरेरेमना, धीरेसब कु छ होय। माली सी ंचेसौ घडा, ऋतुआयेफल होय॥
This doha teaches us the value of patience. Efforts cannot always yield immediate results, and nature’s processes cannot be rushed. It reminds us to trust the timing of life and continue putting in our efforts steadily, knowing that success will come when the time is right.