Mental Health in the Workplace: How Peer Support Helps

Peer support at the workplace has significant effects on both behavioural and safety outcomes. According to research, peer support interventions are linked to improvements in inclusion, team cohesiveness and success, and forming social networks at work. 

As per Deloitte’s 2022 report on “Mental health and well-being in the workplace,” one of the key aspects which facilitate the effectiveness of workplace mental health interventions is supportive work culture. Peer support is an integral component of building a work culture that is emotionally, socially and professionally supportive. Peer support can naturally emerge from social groupings or may be facilitated by moderated channels such as Amaha’s Community platform. 

Amaha’s online communities provide community engagement moderated by mental health experts. Employees can share questions, concerns or comments on this platform and respond to peers. Mental health professionals share their pro-tips on questions raised on any aspect of mental health. 

Here are five ways in which peer support through Amaha Community can benefit your employees and your organisation: 

Improve employee well-being 

Peer support through a community on mental health can connect you to people with similar experiences. Sharing with and learning from others who may be facing similar challenges as you, can enhance your sense of belonging within the community. The community platform provides a space for peers to share first-hand knowledge or experiences that may not be known to healthcare professionals. Peers can also provide practical tips and social assistance on managing certain mental health concerns. They may recommend effective management plans, personal tips for self-care, measures to feel better etc. A greater sense of belonging further leads to understanding, mutual support and consideration within professional teams at the workplace. 

Amaha Community includes a support network for people experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, stress and addiction. 

Enhance employee engagement

Research shows that human support in digital health interventions can improve engagement and reduce attrition. Peer-to-peer recognition and acknowledgement through the community space can boost employee morale and confidence. 

Such recognition can support individual growth and development, and foster collaboration among colleagues. This can further encourage employee engagement in both individual and group projects. 

Contribute to a supportive work environment 

Peer support can help build a culture of support and community at the workplace. Anonymised channels of engagement with peers can help employees express their mental health needs more honestly and openly. Commonly experienced issues in the workplace may be collectively resolved through community engagement and peer support. 

Build resilience in the workplace 

Amaha’s Community provides a safe space to openly discuss emotional or mental health concerns which can help them learn effective ways of addressing and overcoming the difficulties they will inevitably face. As peers respond to concerns about living with symptoms of existing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or ADHD, they provide social support to others managing similar challenges. Peer support through online communities can enhance psychological resilience in employees by enhancing coping skills and creating a support network for coping. Resilience is a crucial component of employee retention, engagement and overall well-being. 

Support the psychological health and safety of employees 

Reaching out to peers with lived experience of certain mental health concerns can guide employees to be more proactive in seeking care for themselves. A barrier to seeking professional mental healthcare is the perceived stigma surrounding it. Open discussion amongst peers about mental health concerns on a trusted, community platform can help reduce the perceived stigma surrounding therapy, psychiatry or other services. Employees are more likely to seek professional help if they are aware of how their peers are also seeking help.