Technology and Mental Health
Technology is a big part of our everyday lives and it has shown how useful it can be when it comes to improving mental health. From mobile mental health support such as self management apps and skill training apps to the increase in research via smart phones it has been an effective, convenient and affordable way where people can seek help when needed. So how can digital signage be used to benefit our mental health?
How Mental Health Impacts The Global Economy
Let’s start by stating how important the role mental health plays in achieving global development goals is. As the time passes by more and more people acknowledge the importance of the matter. Studies show that depression is one of the leading causes of disability and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds.
Despite the improvements some countries have made, there is still a long way to go when it comes to mental health awareness as many people with mental health conditions still experience discrimination, stigma and human rights violations. Mental health conditions can have a substantial effect on all areas of life, such as school or work performance, relationships with family and friends and ability to participate in the community. Two of the most common mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year. Despite these figures, the global median of government health expenditure that goes to mental health is less than 2%.
In the UK workforce mental health problems cost employers almost £35 billion last year,according to research published by the Center for Mental Health.
Since more and more people are aware about the economic cost of mental health problems at work, more employers have started to take the issue seriously and take action to support the wellbeing of their employees. As an outcome people who struggle with their mental health speak about their experiences and seek out for help when they need it.
Happy Employees Equal Successful Business
Healthy and happy employees equal a more profitable and successful business. Employers who decide to ignore the issue, risk not only the health of their employees but in addition they risk the wealth and success of their business as a whole. In order to achieve success for their business, Boden collaborated with the inurface media team and transformed their office spaces with the use of digital signage, to help their employees feel excited and motivated again.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health
The impact and experience of the COVID-19 outbreak has had a different impact on everyone, and there’s no doubt it’s been a really difficult time for us all. That’s why it’s so important to do what we can to look after our mental health and wellbeing, now more than ever.
More than half of the Britons (53%) taking part in a recent YouGov study say their mental health has deteriorated due to the pandemic. Concerns about finances and job security, anxiety related to the fear of Covid-19 itself are some of the factors responsible for the decline of mental health globally. With more and more people returning back to work, employers need to take action and create a safe and welcoming environment to help employees regain a balanced work-life and reassure employees about their safety when returning to work, by making them feel comfortable and keeping them informed about the support available to them.
Digital signage helps in the workplace in employee recognition. Employees who feel appreciated are 60% more inspired to work harder.
How can Digital Signage improve our mental health?
Some of the most affected employees of Covid-19 are considered to be doctors and nurses who struggle with mental health on a daily basis.
Digital Signage can help by displaying content that reminds nurses and doctors what they are grateful for as well as displaying content reminding patients and their families to leave heartfelt thank you notes on digital screens. Your nurses and doctors will know that the care they give makes a world of difference in the lives of others.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has announced a new research project with display specialist Allsee Technologies that will improve mental health by bringing nature inside the comfort of your own home as well as offices and other inside spaces. The project will incorporate screens which can broadcast moving and still images of nature that are very realistic by enabling immersive experiences to enhance wellness, comfort and entertainment, the university explained. The research is based on the theory of how human instinct wants to connect with nature and the benefits on the mental health this can bring. From reducing stress, anxiety and depression to improve cognitive function. The digital canvas screens used in the project use specially treated LCD panels and do not give any reflections of light which are often seen on ordinary televisions, to add to the realistic feel.
Tips On How To Use Digital Signage To Improve Mental Health At Work and Schools
Mental health awareness information
By displaying resources and mental health awareness information in workplaces, healthcare and education settings can help returning employees feel comfortable and less lonely if they are feeling stressed, anxious or low. Using LED screens can help with getting your message across easier to a larger number of your employees and clients.
Supportive and encouraging messaging
This can help children returning back to school, that school is a safe environment as is their home, and will help them stop relying so much on their parents as a result of the time spent with them during isolation. Few simple ways is by placing digital screens with welcoming messages and encouraging them to open up about their feelings.
Encourage safe physical activity
Many people underestimate the importance of physical activities and the positive impact they can have on mental health. By encouraging employees to take a break when they need to, going for walks during their breaks for some fresh air are all small but effective ways that make a difference in people’s days and mood, that can have an effect on their overall performance and productivity at work. To make sure those physical activities are safer, inurface media launched a new People Access Solution to help work and retail spaces manage their offices and stores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thermal Monitoring, Access Control Systems and Hand Sanitisers are some of the easy ways to include, to ensure employees’ safety.
Self-care reminders
When always on the go, it is easy to forget what is important for you as an individual and from time to time everyone needs a gentle reminder to take a step back and breathe. Optimize high traffic points and set up digital signage that can display content reminding employees about the importance of sleep, nutrition, exercise and practicing proper hygiene.
Reduce misinformation
In a world with so much information around us it is easy to come across misinformation about covid that can elevate the anxiety around the matter. By displaying actual facts and guidance from the government will help with reducing misinformation and stress.
Colour psychology
Use calming colours and imageries suitable for your audience. Images of nature can optimize calmness for adults as well as using colours in the tone of blue and green. They have been shown to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and slow down heart rate. But as we mentioned, be aware of your audience as studies have shown that too much blue can make children feel low and pink could be used as an alternative option instead.
A better future with inurface
Even though we have made steps of improvement when it comes to mental health awareness we still have a long way to go as a society. But with technology being all around us it is necessary to take advantage and take the right measures we need to improve and help as much as possible those who suffer silently around us.
As technology involves, digital signage has been shown to be a great tool for helping with the spread of mental health awareness. And when it comes to your business perspective, remember that happy employees equal happy business and underestimating the importance of your employee’s mental health can have a detrimental impact on the success of your business. Building a strong foundation will help us all go ahead and achieve our goals as this is how societies have worked for centuries. Helping one another and moving forward.
