Donate
Find Help Now

How to be mentally healthy at work

Disclaimer:

This publication is based on a Mind UK publication and the original version may be found here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/

Thank you to Mind UK for sharing their valuable content with us. Content included in Mental Health A-Z is made available free of charge and does not form part of any commercial activity. The adaptation has been done independently by Mind HK and is intended for general information purposes only.

Difficult work relations  

Just like in your personal life, some people at work may upset you because of the way  they behave. Their behaviour may even cause you serious problems. 

On this page: 

  • How to manage difficult relationships at work 
  • What if I have a difficult relationship with my manager? 
  • What if I’m being bullied at work? 

How to manage difficult relationships at work  

Having difficult relationships with your co-workers can be stressful. It can make work feel  harder to cope with. 

Here are some first steps you can take for managing difficult relationships: 

  • Discuss your concerns. If a co-worker says or does something that you find  upsetting, arrange to speak with them privately. You can then calmly explain the  situation and your feelings. If it happens again, or you don’t feel you can talk to  them, discuss it with your manager. If you think you’re being bullied, read on for  information about bullying at work. 
  • Try not to get involved in arguments. You won’t always agree with your colleagues. But getting your point across in a fair and polite way can avoid unhelpful debates. You could say, “maybe I’m not making myself clear” instead of “you don’t understand”. Or try saying, “I appreciate your point of view, but I see it differently”, rather than “you’re wrong”. 
  • Avoid taking part in workplace gossip. People often use gossip as a way of  bonding and finding common ground for a chat. It can however put a strain on  relationships and cause conflict. Generally it’s best to avoid getting involved. 
  • Find a common interest. You might not have much in common with your  colleagues. However, finding something that you both like – such as a sports team, TV programme or hobby – can give you something positive to discuss. In time, this could improve your relationship.
  • Keep a professional distance. Unfortunately, you won’t always have good  relationships with every co-worker. If you have to work with someone you don’t get on with, try to maintain a professional boundary. It’s not realistic to think that you will be friends with everyone. 

What if I have a difficult relationship with my manager?  

If you have a difficult relationship with your manager, your working life can feel even  harder. On the other hand, a good relationship can help you feel supported in your role. 

If your manager is the problem, you could take the following actions: 

  • Review your job description. Is your manager making unreasonable requests, or  being unclear about what they expect? Make sure you understand what your role is and what it should involve. 
  • Communicate your concerns. Request a one-to-one meeting with your manager to  discuss how you feel and what would help you. If you don’t feel comfortable meeting your manager alone, ask to bring a colleague or to record your meeting. 
  • Speak to another employee. If you don’t feel able to talk to your manager, ask to meet with another manager or somebody from HR. Some workplaces have trained staff like mental health first aiders or health and wellbeing representatives. Try to provide examples of the difficult behaviour and discuss what you’d like to change. 
  • Contact an independent body. Get in touch with the Labour Relations Division or the Workplace Consultation Promotion Division of the Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Gov  (Labour Department – Labour Relations). It provides voluntary conciliation services for the non-government sector, advice on matters relating to the conditions of employment and the Employment Ordinance, and promotes good human resource management practices, effective communication, consultation and negotiation between employers and employees.

What if I’m being bullied at work?  

If you’re being bullied at work, it can be difficult to know what to do. Sometimes bullying  may be obvious, but other times it can be harder to identify. Bullying can have a  significant impact on your mental health. 

“When I was bullied at work I told someone how I felt and what was happening.”

If you experience bullying at work, you could take the following actions: 

  • Find out about your workplace bullying policy. The policy should outline unacceptable behaviours and how to address the problem (grievance procedures). Even without a policy, your employer has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure your health, safety and welfare at work. If they don’t take reasonable steps to protect you from bullying, they could be breaking the law. 
  • Try to resolve the issue informally. With the support of your manager or a colleague, arrange to speak with the person who is bullying you (if you feel able to). Bear in mind that this is not always possible. 
  • Discuss it with someone you feel comfortable with. This could be your manager, HR department, welfare officer or union representative (if you have one). Be prepared to provide examples of your experience of being bullied. 
  • Get independent advice. If you’re not ready to talk to someone at work about it, visit the Labour Relations Division website (Labour Department – Labour Relations).
  • Raise a formal complaint. If nothing improves, you may be able to resolve it  through formal procedures at work. You can contact the Labour Relations Division to discuss your options  and your rights. This includes advice on what you can do if you’re unhappy with  the outcome of your complaint. 

Although there’s no specific law to protect you from bullying, you might want to seek legal  advice. The Labour Legislation & Guidelines website (Discrimination in the Workplace) has more information about your rights related to bullying and harassment at work. 

Sometimes the situation might not improve, or you might feel as if you cannot take action.  In this case, you may decide that leaving your job is best for your mental health. 

If you feel forced to leave because of bullying, you might want to get further advice about  your rights. You can contact a solicitor specialising in employment law. 

Remember: you don’t have to put up with it. 

“I have been bullied in the past. I took it to the appropriate person. Unfortunately for me  they didn’t care and didn’t take it seriously. I left that place immediately.”

Instagram Facebook-f Linkedin
What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

Difficult work relations

Difficult work relations  

Just like in your personal life, some people at work may upset you because of the way  they behave. Their behaviour may even cause you serious problems. 

On this page: 

  • How to manage difficult relationships at work 
  • What if I have a difficult relationship with my manager? 
  • What if I'm being bullied at work? 

How to manage difficult relationships at work  

Having difficult relationships with your co-workers can be stressful. It can make work feel  harder to cope with. 

Here are some first steps you can take for managing difficult relationships: 

  • Discuss your concerns. If a co-worker says or does something that you find  upsetting, arrange to speak with them privately. You can then calmly explain the  situation and your feelings. If it happens again, or you don't feel you can talk to  them, discuss it with your manager. If you think you're being bullied, read on for  information about bullying at work. 
  • Try not to get involved in arguments. You won't always agree with your colleagues. But getting your point across in a fair and polite way can avoid unhelpful debates. You could say, "maybe I'm not making myself clear" instead of "you don't understand". Or try saying, "I appreciate your point of view, but I see it differently", rather than "you're wrong". 
  • Avoid taking part in workplace gossip. People often use gossip as a way of  bonding and finding common ground for a chat. It can however put a strain on  relationships and cause conflict. Generally it's best to avoid getting involved. 
  • Find a common interest. You might not have much in common with your  colleagues. However, finding something that you both like – such as a sports team, TV programme or hobby – can give you something positive to discuss. In time, this could improve your relationship.
  • Keep a professional distance. Unfortunately, you won't always have good  relationships with every co-worker. If you have to work with someone you don't get on with, try to maintain a professional boundary. It's not realistic to think that you will be friends with everyone. 

What if I have a difficult relationship with my manager?  

If you have a difficult relationship with your manager, your working life can feel even  harder. On the other hand, a good relationship can help you feel supported in your role. 

If your manager is the problem, you could take the following actions: 

  • Review your job description. Is your manager making unreasonable requests, or  being unclear about what they expect? Make sure you understand what your role is and what it should involve. 
  • Communicate your concerns. Request a one-to-one meeting with your manager to  discuss how you feel and what would help you. If you don't feel comfortable meeting your manager alone, ask to bring a colleague or to record your meeting. 
  • Speak to another employee. If you don't feel able to talk to your manager, ask to meet with another manager or somebody from HR. Some workplaces have trained staff like mental health first aiders or health and wellbeing representatives. Try to provide examples of the difficult behaviour and discuss what you'd like to change. 
  • Contact an independent body. Get in touch with the Labour Relations Division or the Workplace Consultation Promotion Division of the Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Gov  (Labour Department - Labour Relations). It provides voluntary conciliation services for the non-government sector, advice on matters relating to the conditions of employment and the Employment Ordinance, and promotes good human resource management practices, effective communication, consultation and negotiation between employers and employees.

What if I'm being bullied at work?  

If you're being bullied at work, it can be difficult to know what to do. Sometimes bullying  may be obvious, but other times it can be harder to identify. Bullying can have a  significant impact on your mental health. 

"When I was bullied at work I told someone how I felt and what was happening."

If you experience bullying at work, you could take the following actions: 

  • Find out about your workplace bullying policy. The policy should outline unacceptable behaviours and how to address the problem (grievance procedures). Even without a policy, your employer has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure your health, safety and welfare at work. If they don't take reasonable steps to protect you from bullying, they could be breaking the law. 
  • Try to resolve the issue informally. With the support of your manager or a colleague, arrange to speak with the person who is bullying you (if you feel able to). Bear in mind that this is not always possible. 
  • Discuss it with someone you feel comfortable with. This could be your manager, HR department, welfare officer or union representative (if you have one). Be prepared to provide examples of your experience of being bullied. 
  • Get independent advice. If you're not ready to talk to someone at work about it, visit the Labour Relations Division website (Labour Department - Labour Relations).
  • Raise a formal complaint. If nothing improves, you may be able to resolve it  through formal procedures at work. You can contact the Labour Relations Division to discuss your options  and your rights. This includes advice on what you can do if you're unhappy with  the outcome of your complaint. 

Although there’s no specific law to protect you from bullying, you might want to seek legal  advice. The Labour Legislation & Guidelines website (Discrimination in the Workplace) has more information about your rights related to bullying and harassment at work. 

Sometimes the situation might not improve, or you might feel as if you cannot take action.  In this case, you may decide that leaving your job is best for your mental health. 

If you feel forced to leave because of bullying, you might want to get further advice about  your rights. You can contact a solicitor specialising in employment law. 

Remember: you don't have to put up with it. 

"I have been bullied in the past. I took it to the appropriate person. Unfortunately for me  they didn't care and didn't take it seriously. I left that place immediately."