NEWS
MHiP – Mental health across the workplace
Campaigns |Published: Mar 25, 2025
The well-being of port workers must remain a top priority in the drive to improve safety and efficiency in ports. In a bustling and demanding environment, poor mental health can affect every worker —from port operatives and administrators to managers and executives. For port operations to thrive, it is essential that everyone, regardless of role, receives the mental health support they need.
Promoting well-being at every level in port environments involves breaking down stigma, creating supportive policies, and ensuring accessible resources for all staff. By fostering an inclusive approach, ports can build a culture where mental well-being is valued and prioritised.
When all employees feel supported in their mental health, they are better equipped to bring their best selves to work, enhancing not only their personal well-being but also the efficiency and safety of port operations as a whole.
Frontline workers
Port operatives, warehouse workers, and others in hands-on roles, often work in physically demanding conditions. The impact of long hours, night shifts, and high-risk tasks can lead to chronic stress and fatigue, which can affect both physical and mental health. Without adequate support, these challenges can lead to burnout or increase the risk of accidents.
Supervisors and middle management
Supervisors manage both operational and personnel responsibilities, often balancing team needs with organisational goals. This dual role can create high stress, as they must support their teams while also meeting the demands of management. They may also be the first point of contact for workers’ well-being concerns, which can be an additional emotional load if they lack adequate training or resources.
Senior leaders and executives
Port executives and senior managers face pressures from high-stakes decision-making, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring the safety and job security of all their employees. They are responsible for overseeing operations, ensuring compliance, and often handling large-scale projects with tight timelines. These pressures can lead to stress and isolation, and may not feel able to speak out about difficulties they are facing.
Strategies for supporting mental health at every level
Promote mental health awareness and openness
Creating a culture of mental health awareness is essential. Port management can implement regular mental health check-ins, establish peer support programmes such as mental health first aiders, and provide training to encourage openness. By fostering an environment where discussing mental health is seen as normal, workers at all levels feel encouraged to seek help when needed.
Provide accessible resources and support systems
Port workers and leaders alike benefit from having access to resources tailored to their unique challenges. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), on-site counselling, and online support portals can offer employees tools to manage stress, build resilience, and access confidential support. Ensuring these resources are widely promoted helps everyone feel included and aware of the available support.
Offer role-specific training for mental well-being
Different roles come with different stressors, so mental health support should reflect that. Frontline staff could benefit from resilience and stress management workshops, while supervisors may need additional training in mental health first aid or managing stress within teams. Senior leaders might benefit from executive coaching or stress management resources tailored to their unique responsibilities.
Foster a healthy work-life balance
Encouraging work-life balance can prevent burnout and improve mental health across the board. For frontline workers, this may mean fair shift patterns and adequate rest periods. For managers, flexible working arrangements or policies that protect personal time can help balance their professional and personal responsibilities. Senior leaders can set an example by respecting boundaries and openly discussing the importance of rest and well-being.
Provide physical and mental wellness resources
Supporting physical health is often linked with better mental health outcomes. Ports can promote physical activity and relaxation options, such as walking groups, quiet rooms for breaks, or wellness sessions. Having spaces and programmes that encourage physical well-being provides a holistic approach to supporting mental health.
Building a culture of well-being
Promoting mental health at every level involves creating an environment where all workers feel valued, respected, and supported. This can be achieved by fostering a culture of well-being that starts from the top down, with leaders modelling healthy behaviours and openly discussing mental health as a priority. By making mental well-being part of the organisational conversation, ports can create a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workforce.
Mental health is a shared responsibility in port environments. Whether on the front lines or in the executive suite, every individual faces unique challenges that can impact their mental health. By promoting mental health support at all levels, ports can build a resilient, engaged, and efficient workforce that is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. Supporting mental health at every level not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the collective well-being, safety, and success of the port community as a whole.
What are your tips for better mental health and well-being at work? Continue the conversation on our LinkedIn page and use the tag MHiP2025.