The term “mental health” has become a phenomenon that many people connect with. In recent time,there is an increasing awareness and understanding of this emotional and spiritual anormaly.
A wholesome mental health is the foundation for positive emotional outbursts, effective communication, positive self-esteem, resilience, healthy and joyful living . Mental health can affect anyone regardless of age, gender and status.
As mental health is gradually being acknowledged (in the Nigerian, some African terrains, and parts of the world) as an abnormality that can rear its head if we don’t harness rest, joy, peace, right thinking and trusting in the higher divine support ever available, those who battle with mental health are always not so open to talking about it due to fears of stigmatisation.
It is also no secret that work-related risk factors can affect mental health hence the argument for the notion of life-work integration.
The workplace can be one of the key environments that affect the mental wellbeing and health of employees therefore supporting mental health in the workplace is a necessity- never to be an afterthought.
Maintaining good mental health gives us the ability to recognize, express, regulate our emotions and relate well with our environment and all within it. An employer should therefore pay attention to how a person relates and connects with their domestic help in their various homes. An employer can study the mental health of their domestic help or potential employee by paying attention to the behavior they display so it guides the choice of initial employment and subsequent interactions.
Certain behavioral signs can be argued down to persistent mood swings, low self-esteem, and loss of interest in doing things generally.
Employers should therefore put these things into consideration in ensuring their own mental health is top-notch so when dealing with maids/domestic help in their homes they can ensure a wholesome mental state for the domestic help being engaged.
The following are factors to be taken into cognisance for enabling a positive mental health status for your domestic help.
Time structure
Before a domestic maid is employed, there is should always be agreed or stipulated time of work. Whatever timing is agreed, it must also allow for break- a brief rest time.
A considerate employee who does want to put his employees mental health at risk must pay attention to the time frame that suits the parties involved and both parties should strictly adhere to it. This ought to make the domestic help feel safe and not stressed at the end of a work day. It can be argued that the resulting effect will be increased productivity.
Consider their roles and do not abuse it
When employing a maid, certain roles and work scope must be laid down either on paper or atleast verbally before actual work commences. Therefore the employer must be considerate enough to put these roles in mind and not abuse the upper hand available as an employee. This should make a reasonable domestic help in the feel respected and not abused or cheated
Nurture relationships with your maids
Engage them in conversations regularly (at an opportune time) to know how they are doing. In general, asking them how they are doing is extremely impactful in showing that you care. Ensure that you speak to them in a kind (yet firm) tone this will make them feel like they are in safe hands and not make them feel discouraged to reach out when they need help.
CONSEQUENCES OF MENTAL HEALTH AT WORKPLACE
In situations where the employer does not pay attention to the employees (domestic help in this regard), it can argued that certain consequences may follow. These consequences are:
- Poor job performance
- Low productivity
- Safety liabilities
- Absenteeism
- Resignation
As employers go about doing their daily routines, they should be conscious that employees could be dealing with various life situations that could be stressors outside the bounds of work.
Therefore, the creation of a work environment that enables a smart working, high value staff, with an enormous supply of love and kindness to thrive wholesomely should be the conscious consideration of a forward thinking employer.
This is very enlightening, and very deep insightful message. My take is regardless of who You are treat people as you would like to be treated. In terms of domestic helps, one has to bear in mind some of them lack education not necessarily of their own desire but due to some circumstances beyond their control. We have speak in ways they can understand mentally and emotionally treat them with care and love. Everyone wants to be love. I grew up with domestics help in my family, and most times you will think they are family members based on how they were treated. I know some might say that was back in the days. I personally have had domestics helps that lasted 10years, and 5 years. The one that last 5years was from Togo, and the 10years one was from Calabar. I am still in contact with one of them till now. Even one of my grandma domestic help became a source of help with a business venture couple of years ago.