For many of us, work is an integral part of our lives. It is where we spend most of our waking hours, earn money, and often make new friends.
But do you know that work can negatively affect employee mental health?
Work can often be the main source of workplace mental health issues. It might be due to work-related anxiety, stress, workplace bullying, or other aspects of the work environment.
Poor mental health not only hurts employees but can also keep productivity and finances down in the company and create conflict within the company’s culture.
Therefore, employers need to create a healthy work environment for the sake of their business and employees’ health.
Key Takeaways
Here are a few things to know about employees’ mental health:
- Employee mental health is a complex issue that can take a toll on employees’ health and the company’s finances.
- Many warning signs can help a business know when its employees are suffering from mental health issues.
- Businesses must take measures to ensure employees are mentally stable and satisfied for the sake of business growth.
- Workers must also take precautionary measures and take part in employer-sponsored mental health programs and activities.
Mental health issues can take a serious toll on a person’s life. That’s why seeking mental health treatment as soon as possible is vital.
Haven Detox can help you reset your mental health to normal.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health in the workplace is much like mental health everywhere. It is the product of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
When an employee’s mental health suffers, key performance indicators, such as productivity, creativity, and social engagement, can all suffer.
Therefore, it is important for organizations to prioritize mental health and provide resources and support for employees.
There are ways to help your employees maintain good mental health while running your business smoothly. Examples include:
- Fostering open communication
- Promoting a healthy work-life balance
- Providing access to mental health resources
What Studies Have to Say
In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that about 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. Mental health problems are the top cause of disabilities in the US workforce.
In a 2021 survey, the American Psychological Association (APA) found that around 4 in 5 employees reported work-related stress in the past month. Almost 60 percent reported negative effects from that work stress, such as a lack of energy and motivation.
Another study found that the most common work-related stressors include high workloads, low job control, and poor relationships with coworkers or supervisors.
Signs Your Employee Has a Mental Health Issue
If you believe your employee is experiencing a mental health problem, you must act quickly. Early intervention is necessary for the sake of your company and the employee’s well-being.
When you notice one or more of the following warning signs, it may be time to intervene:
- An unhealthy or unkempt physical appearance
- Mood swings and erratic behavior
- Easily irritated, frustrated, or angered
- Taking a lot of time off
- Inability to solve a problem
- Unnecessary fear, worry, or anxiety
- A decrease in or lack of productivity
- Withdrawal from social situations
- Abuse of alcohol and drugs
Ways to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace
When it comes to creating a healthy work environment, it is important to offer proactive options to assist employees in improving and maintaining their mental health.
Here are some proactive options for promoting mental well-being in the workplace, both as an employee and employer.
Things To Do as an Employer
Following are the six approaches employers can use to promote mental well-being at the workplace:
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Dedicated quiet spaces for relaxation
- Mental health self-assessment tools available to employees, such as a mood assessment checklist or work-life balance questionnaire
- Free or subsidized clinical screenings for a mental health crisis, such as depression, anxiety disorder, or bipolar disorder
- Free or subsidized mental well-being coaching services
- Free or inexpensive health insurance with mental health benefits
Things To Do as an Employee
Following are the six approaches employees can use to promote mental well-being at the workplace:
- Take part in employers-sponsored programs and activities
- Share your experiences with others
- Practice coping skills to promote healthier mindsets, self-image, and relationships
- Practice self-care on lunch breaks, such as meditation, deep breathing, or going for a short walk
- Take care of your physical health, such as eating healthy and getting enough sleep
- Nurture relationships with coworkers and supervisors
Benefits of Supporting Employee Mental Health
Supporting employee mental health comes with many benefits for both employees and the company they work for. Here are some key benefits:
Improved Productivity
Employees who feel supported and are in good mental health can focus better on their job and perform at their fullest, resulting in increased productivity.
Reduced Absenteeism
Employees may need time off to cope with mental health problems, which can contribute to increased absenteeism. By providing mental health support, businesses can decrease absenteeism rates and ensure employees are present and engaged.
Increased Job Satisfaction
Employees who believe their mental health is valued and encouraged are more likely to be satisfied with their job and company.
Lower Turnover Rates
Organizations that value employee mental health are more likely to retain their workers, saving money on recruitment and training.
Improved Workplace Culture
Organizations can foster a culture of support and care for their employees by prioritizing mental health. This can result in increased morale, better workplace interactions, and a positive workplace environment.
Better Physical Health
Good mental health is associated with improved physical health outcomes, so supporting employee mental health can benefit overall employee health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do you do when an employee is struggling with mental health?
If you notice that your employee is struggling with their mental health, you can offer your support in the following ways:
Ask appropriate, open-minded questions to help your employee feel more comfortable sharing with you.
Listen to them actively with complete attention.
Recognize their feelings and express that you completely understand them.
Ask your workers what you can do to help them with their situation.
Encourage them to seek professional mental health treatment.
What are employers’ responsibilities around mental health?
Employee mental health must be taken seriously. Companies have a duty of care for their workers’ health and safety, which includes their mental health.
Employers must do all in their power to assist their employees’ health, safety, and well-being, which includes:
Making sure working environments are safe
Protecting staff from discrimination
Carrying out the appropriate risk assessments
What can companies do to help employees’ mental health?
Business leaders can use many effective ways to support their employees’ mental health needs. Here are the five most effective ways to support your employees:
Promote mental health awareness in the company.
Offer flexibility in work schedules.
Address workplace stress and take measures to reduce it.
Evaluate the benefits being offered to ensure they support employees’ mental health.
Train managers in recognizing the signs of mental illness and handling difficult conversations with employees regarding their mental health.
Haven Detox Offers Mental Health Treatment
When dealing with mental health in the workplace, the most important tip for business owners is to reduce stigma and implement policies. Employees will feel more comfortable having a conversation about their mental health if they know you will take action to help.
If your employees are experiencing serious mental illness and need professional mental health treatment, refer them to Haven Detox.
Haven Detox, staffed with professional mental health experts, offers mental health services with outstanding care, compassion, and respect.
We offer a number of effective therapies to treat different mental health issues. Therapies may include CBT, DBT, EMDR, TMS, and more.
Get in touch with us today and let our professionals help you get back to life full of fun and happiness.
