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You and your members spend most of your waking hours working together; therefore, naturally, it forms part and parcel of a happy and healthy life.
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How Does Mental Health Impact On-The-Job Performance?
Mental health awareness in the workplace is nothing new. That’s probably because its impact can be devastating to a business’s bottom line. According to Mental Health America, disengaged employees cost businesses more than half a trillion dollars every year.
Many organizations already realize the need to support their workers' mental health—through their employee/lifestyle benefits. As a report commissioned by the American Heart Association found, more than 8 out of every 10 employees state that their employer provides at least one form of mental health offer. But employees say they wish their employers did more.
Navigating Mental Health Hazards in the Workplace
The workplace can be a minefield of mental health hazards, often referred to as psychosocial risks. These can stem from various factors like the nature of your job, your work hours, the physical and social environment of your workplace, and the opportunities (or lack thereof) for career progression. Let's break down these hazards into something more digestible, shall we?
At the heart of workplace mental health risks, you might find yourself either not fully utilizing your talents or feeling out of depth with the demands of your job. Maybe you're drowning under too much work or the pace is just too fast, compounded by not having enough hands on deck. Or perhaps it's the long hours at odd times or a rigid schedule that just doesn't flex with your life's demands.
Feeling like you have little say over what you do or how much you have to do can be suffocating. Then there's the physical environment—cramped, unsafe, or just plain uncomfortable. And let's not forget the social climate—workplaces where negativity thrives, where support is scarce, and where you're micromanaged or left to fend off workplace bullies, discrimination, or even outright harassment.
The stakes rise with unclear roles, mismatched job levels, precarious job security, underwhelming pay, or scant investment in your professional growth. Juggling the demands of work and home life can also take its toll.
A significant portion of the global workforce finds itself in informal employment, lacking regulatory safeguards for health and safety. These jobs often come with risky working conditions, exhaustive hours, minimal social or financial safety nets, and a higher likelihood of facing discrimination—all of which can erode mental well-being.
Certain jobs, like those in healthcare, humanitarian aid, or emergency response, inherently carry a higher risk of encountering traumatic events, putting those workers at an increased risk for mental health struggles.
Economic downturns, public health crises, and similar emergencies can heighten the risk of job loss, financial strain, reduced work opportunities, or outright unemployment, all of which can exacerbate mental health issues. Workplaces can unintentionally magnify broader societal issues like discrimination and inequality, affecting individuals based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more, further impacting mental health.
Individuals grappling with severe mental health conditions often face barriers to employment and, when employed, may encounter unequal treatment. Being unemployed itself poses a significant mental health risk, with job and financial insecurity, and recent unemployment being linked to a higher risk of suicide attempts.
Understanding these hazards is the first step toward mitigating their impact, creating a workplace that not only recognizes the importance of mental health but actively works to safeguard it.
Here are 10 easy ways to help foster mental wellness in your workplace.
Encourage Open Dialogues on Mental Health: Set up regular opportunities or designated areas for employees to discuss mental health openly without fear of being judged. Host sessions with mental health experts to inform and educate your team. Share personal experiences from team members who've dealt with mental health issues, creating an environment of empathy and openness.
Spot and Tackle Burnout Early: Don't underestimate job burnout; it's a serious issue that can affect both physical and mental health. Signs to watch for include: -Overwhelming exhaustion affects concentration -A growing sense of detachment or cynicism Feelings of ineffectiveness and self-doubt To fight burnout, consider offering flexible working options or personal days off, in addition to workload adjustments.
Encourage Regular Breaks: Taking breaks is vital for recharging and boosting productivity. Encourage your team to step away for a bit, whether for a short walk or a few minutes of fresh air, especially when stress levels rise. Exercise and a change of scenery can work wonders for mental overload and creativity.
Keep Communication Clear: Nothing adds stress like uncertainty. Keep everyone in the loop about changes, expectations, and feedback. Open lines of communication foster trust, reduce anxiety and strengthen team dynamics.
Challenge Your Team: Monotony kills motivation. Spice things up with new projects or challenges to keep engagement high. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also promotes personal growth and talent retention.
Provide Mental Health Support: Offer access to mental health apps or counseling services through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Sharing resources regularly can help normalize seeking help and support mental wellness.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Create policies that discourage working outside of office hours and encourage downtime. Educating your team on the importance of boundaries can help maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Acknowledge Efforts and Achievements: Set up a recognition system to celebrate successes, both big and small. Offering personal development opportunities as rewards can show your appreciation and motivate your team.
Incorporate Wellness Activities: Organize wellness events, from fitness sessions to mental health workshops. Providing tools for self-care, like meditation guides, can support employees' overall well-being.
Lead with Mental Health in Mind: Leadership should model healthy mental health practices and encourage the team to prioritize their well-being. Integrating mental health discussions into leadership meetings can underline its importance across all levels of the organization.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace is an ongoing effort that benefits from leadership down to every team member. By adopting these strategies, companies can foster an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and motivated to take care of their mental health. A focus on mental wellness not only leads to a happier team but also drives productivity and engagement. Making mental health a priority is not just good ethics; it's good business.
Key facts
Decent work is good for mental health.
Poor working environments – including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control, and job insecurity – pose a risk to mental health.
15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019.
Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
There are effective actions to prevent mental health risks at work, protect and promote mental health at work, and support workers with mental health conditions.
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