In municipalities, employee mental health and wellness is increasingly becoming a focal point, as both desk-based and deskless staff face unique stressors.
Whether it's the administrative load on desk-based workers or the physical demands and isolation faced by field workers, municipal employees often operate in high-pressure environments. Internal communications professionals are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between employee wellness needs and organizational support systems.
In this blog, we’ll explore how internal communications professionals can effectively address the mental health challenges faced by both desk-based and deskless workers and provide actionable strategies to promote wellness across the entire workforce.
1. Understanding the Mental Health Challenges
Desk-Based/Admin Staff
Desk-based municipal employees, including administrators, planners, and clerks, often deal with workloads that demand constant multitasking, extensive paperwork, and tight deadlines. The pressure to stay on top of compliance, manage citizen requests, and keep internal operations running smoothly can lead to mental fatigue, burnout, and anxiety.
These workers may experience:
- High levels of stress due to task overload and administrative pressures.
- Feelings of isolation when they are disconnected from other teams or don’t have a support network within the office.
- Physical health impacts from long hours spent sitting in front of computers, which can affect both mental well-being and productivity.
Deskless Staff
Municipal deskless workers, including maintenance crews, sanitation workers, and first responders, often face different challenges. These employees spend much of their time in the field, dealing with physically demanding tasks, unpredictable schedules, and at times, emotionally taxing situations.
Deskless staff may experience:
- Limited access to information or mental health resources due to a lack of access to internal communication platforms.
- Work-related stress from physically demanding roles, hazardous environments, or interactions with the public.
- Social isolation as they often work independently or in smaller teams, reducing their chances for peer support.
2. The Role of Internal Communications in Promoting Wellness
Internal communications professionals can play a critical role in promoting mental health and wellness by ensuring that messages about support services, health benefits, and wellness programs are easily accessible to all employees—no matter where they work.
Here’s how internal comms can help:
Tailor Communication Channels
Desk-based workers can access emails, internal platforms, and employee portals, while deskless workers need different channels like mobile apps, SMS notifications, or push alerts. IC professionals must ensure that wellness communications are distributed through multiple channels, making it easier for everyone to engage with resources when needed.
Promote Wellness Programs and Resources
It’s vital that employees know about the mental health resources available to them. Regularly share information about wellness programs, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and mental health days. For deskless workers, highlight wellness offerings through mobile-friendly apps or text notifications.
Create Mental Health Check-Ins
Establish regular check-ins or pulse surveys to gauge how employees are feeling. These tools can offer insights into stress levels and allow IC teams to adapt their messaging to better meet the current needs of employees. For desk-based staff, online surveys or wellness-focused newsletters may work best, while deskless staff could benefit from in-person wellness check-ins or anonymous SMS surveys.
Encourage Peer Support Networks
Facilitate peer support networks that encourage collaboration, mentorship, or just casual conversation. While desk-based workers might have a team in the office to rely on, deskless workers often miss out on that in-person connection. Providing virtual spaces, such as chat platforms or designated wellness groups, can help employees build supportive relationships across the municipality.
Highlight Success Stories
Share stories of employees who have successfully used wellness programs or mental health services. Highlighting real-life examples of colleagues taking care of their mental health can inspire others to prioritize their well-being. Personalizing these messages through videos or employee testimonials can have a greater emotional impact.
3. Creating a Culture of Wellness Across All Employees
To create a culture of wellness that extends to both desk-based and deskless employees, internal communications professionals need to ensure their strategies are inclusive and resonate with the entire workforce. Here’s how to foster a wellness culture:
- Normalize conversations around mental health by creating a space for open dialogue. Leadership should communicate the importance of mental health, making it clear that employees can take advantage of resources without stigma.
- Host wellness events or workshops that cater to both desk-based and deskless staff. This could include virtual mindfulness sessions, mental health webinars, or fitness challenges that are accessible to all employees.
- Offer flexible wellness options for deskless workers who may not have time during their shifts. For example, short breathing exercises or stress-relief techniques that can be done on the go, and information shared through mobile platforms that they can access at any time.
Final Thoughts
Addressing employee mental health and wellness in municipalities requires a well-thought-out strategy that acknowledges the distinct challenges faced by desk-based and deskless staff. By tailoring communications and providing easy access to wellness resources, internal communications professionals can ensure that all employees—no matter where or how they work—feel supported and engaged in their mental health journeys. A strong culture of wellness benefits not just the workforce, but the municipality as a whole, fostering productivity, resilience, and a happier working environment.
Let us help you develop your mental health and wellness communication strategy. Book a free consult with Sparrow Connected today!
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