What Employers Need to Know About Mental Wellness In the Workplace
One of the greatest barriers we face as a society is the shame and stigma associated with mental health, leading to hushed conversations and fear of getting treatment.
Mental wellness in the workplace has historically been overlooked, but as awareness grows, so does the understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health. In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about mental wellness in the workplace:
Importance of employee mental health
What causes poor mental wellness for employees
Activities to improve mental health at work
How to talk about mental health at work
First, let’s take a look at why normalizing mental health in the workplace is important.
Importance of Employee Mental Health
The importance of employee mental health is multifaceted. It’s a crucial aspect of overall well-being that significantly impacts not only the individual employee but also the productivity, culture, and success of the organization as a whole.
Impact on Productivity and Engagement
Depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year, primarily attributed to reduced productivity. Workplaces that promote good mental health and support individuals with mental illnesses tend to experience lower rates of absenteeism (i.e., fewer days away from work) and presenteeism (i.e., reduced productivity while at work).
Mentally healthy employees are more likely to be engaged and productive. They bring creativity, energy, and focus to their work, contributing to innovative solutions and driving the company's success. On the other hand, when employees struggle with their mental health without support, it can lead to decreased concentration, more sick days, and a higher rate of mistakes, all of which directly affect the bottom line.
Enhancing Workplace Culture
One survey found that 76% of employees who reported their workplace is toxic also reported that their work environment harms their mental health. Respondents also said their employers think their workplace is mentally healthier than it really is. As they say, perception is not reality.
When employees feel supported and encouraged to take care of their mental health, it fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty. This supportive environment encourages more open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members, essential ingredients for a thriving workplace culture.
Retention and Recruitment
80% of employees say they would consider quitting their current position to take a job that provided more employee mental health support. Another study reported that 81% of workers will be looking for workplaces that support mental health in the future.
In today's competitive job market, employee mental health is a critical factor in talent retention and recruitment. Organizations that actively support mental wellness in the workplace are more attractive to candidates and are more likely to retain their current employees. Employees want to work for companies that care about their well-being, which should be a given, but often it’s not.
By investing in mental health initiatives, organizations enhance employee well-being and set the stage for sustainable growth and greater resilience. In the modern workplace, mental health isn’t just an individual concern but a critical business strategy.
What Causes Poor Mental Wellness for Employees?
Poor mental wellness for employees can stem from various factors, often intertwining personal issues with workplace dynamics. Understanding these causes can help employers determine what needs to change from an individual and organizational perspective. Here are some common internal and external factors that can negatively influence mental wellness in the workplace:
Workplace Pressures
Workplace Stress: High levels of stress from overwork, tight deadlines, and high-performance pressure can lead to burnout and mental health decline.
Work-Life Imbalance: Difficulty in balancing work demands with personal life can increase stress and negatively impact mental wellness.
Poor Workplace Relationships: Conflicts, bullying, and toxic company culture can create an environment of insecurity and distress, affecting mental wellness.
Job Insecurity and Change: Anxiety over job security, fear of redundancy, and constant organizational shifts without effective change management strategies can stress employees.
Inadequate Reward and Recognition: Feeling undervalued or under-compensated can lead to job dissatisfaction and impact mental wellness.
Unsuitable Job Roles: A mismatch between an employee’s skills and their job demands can cause frustration and impact mental health.
Remote Work Challenges: Isolation, difficulties with work-life balance, and communication challenges in remote work settings can contribute to poor mental wellness.
External Circumstances
Childcare and Caregiving: Balancing work with childcare or caring for elderly family members can create significant stress, which can negatively impact mental health.
Moving or Relocation: The stress of moving houses or relocating for work can be a significant life stressor, affecting an individual's mental wellness.
Physical Health Decline: Chronic physical health conditions or acute illnesses can impair an employee’s mental preparation and productivity at work, compromising performance.
Financial Concerns: Worries about finances, debt, or job security can be major sources of stress, negatively impacting mental health.
Current/Global Events: Events like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, or geopolitical tensions can create widespread anxiety and stress, affecting mental wellness.
Loss and Bereavement: Grieving the loss of a loved one can lead to depression and other mental health issues, affecting overall wellness.
Substance Use: Dependence on or misuse of alcohol, drugs, or medication can negatively affect mental health, leading to further personal and professional issues.
Addressing these causes requires a proactive approach from employers, including offering employee well-being days, providing access to mental health resources, and generally normalizing mental health in the workplace. Employers can foster a healthier, more engaged, and resilient workforce by recognizing the various factors that contribute to poor mental wellness and addressing the internal ones that organizations can control.
Activities to Improve Mental Health at Work
Organizations can create a supportive environment that prioritizes employee well-being by engaging in wellness activities to improve mental health at work like these.
Corporate Wellness Events
Organize wellness days alongside a corporate wellness consultant full of activities that promote collaboration, focus on mindfulness, and foster camaraderie among employees. Strengthening relationships among colleagues can improve morale and create a supportive work environment.
Mental Health Workshops and Seminars
Host workshops and seminars on mental health topics such as stress management, emotional regulation, and mind-body connection presented by wellness coaches. Education on mental illness raises awareness, reduces stigma, and equips employees with healthy coping strategies.
Physical Wellness Activities
Offer access to physical wellness activities like yoga classes, fitness challenges, or subsidized gym memberships. Exercise is known to improve mental health by reducing depression, anxiety, and negative mood.
Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions
Organize regular mindfulness sessions or meditation breaks during the workday to help employees reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional regulation. These practices can lower stress levels, enhance concentration, and promote a sense of peace and well-being at work.
These activities to improve mental health at work offer direct benefits to individual workers and promote a more productive workplace and positive company culture overall.
How to Talk About Mental Health at Work
Now, the knee-jerk response to this information may be to throw together what seems like fun work wellness activities and call it a wellness program, but that’s like putting a bandaid on a broken leg. Knowing how to talk about mental health at work and supporting employee wellness requires a thoughtful strategy that turns words into action.
You don’t need to be a therapist; you need to partner with a professional who knows how to lead the conversation in a corporate setting.
As corporate wellness consultants, ProMotion Corporate Wellness can help you develop a managed wellness program that creates sustainable change and drives measurable results in your organization. Our High-Performance Wellness Program Framework™ empowers us to create a custom corporate wellness program that aligns with your company's business goals and your employees’ unique needs.
Book a free strategy call to learn more about how we can foster a workplace culture where health is wealth.
