In today's fast-paced, highly competitive working world, it's easy for employees to get caught up in the endless cycle of stress and pressure. And while a certain level of stress can be motivating and beneficial, when it becomes chronic, it can take a severe toll on mental health, impacting work performance and productivity. That's why it's more important than ever for employers to address mental health in the workplace.
Positive mental health is the backbone of good employee engagement and benefits everyone - employees, employers, and the bottom line. When employees' mental well-being is taken care of, their engagement levels rise, as do staff morale and loyalty. This, in turn, leads to increased innovation, productivity, and profits.
Work can be a protective factor for mental health, but it can also contribute to worsening mental health. Work-related mental health conditions are preventable, and addressing well-being at work can increase productivity by as much as 12%[1].
Improving employees' mental health can also improve decision-making, thinking, confidence, and working relationships. It's about preventing negative outcomes and increasing awareness of mental health - which can help break the taboo and build a more open and inclusive culture.
Employers can take several steps to address mental health in the workplace and, therefore, avoid contexts that make accessing the behavioural skills that foster creativity and resilience all the more challenging:
Firstly, it's essential to create a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being. This includes offering employee assistance programs, providing access to mental health resources, and training managers on identifying and addressing mental health concerns in the workplace.
Secondly, encouraging employees to speak openly about their mental health struggles can help to reduce stigma and create a more supportive work environment. Employers can also promote self-care practices, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness, to help employees manage stress and maintain good mental health.
By investing in mental health resources and promoting self-care practices, employers can help their employees thrive in and out of the workplace. It's time to prioritise mental health in the workplace and create a healthier, more productive work environment for all.
I invite you to share your experiences in the comments section below. Let's start a conversation and share best practices for promoting positive mental health in the workplace. Together, we can create a healthier and more productive work environment for all.
[1] Oswald, A.J., Proto, E., & Sgroi, D. (2015). Happiness and Productivity. Journal of Labor Economics, 33 (4), 789- 822. doi: 10.1086/681096
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