Prioritizing Mental Health In The Workplace

For many individuals, workplaces can be a significant contributor to stress and anxiety, with long hours, tight deadlines, and high-pressure environments taking a toll on their well-being. In fact, 81 percent of workers report that workplace stress affects their mental health, with 73 percent also saying that it negatively impacts their relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.

Be Observant

Recognizing the signs of mental health issues in ourselves and our colleagues is the first step toward creating a more supportive work culture. These clues may include:

• Withdrawal—someone previously outgoing and sociable becomes withdrawn and isolated
• Changes in work performance—missing deadlines, making more mistakes than usual, or a general decrease in productivity
• Mood swings—sudden irritability, sadness, or unexplained emotional outbursts

What Workplaces Can Do

Creating a workplace that prioritizes mental health can be accomplished in the following ways:

• Communication—encourage open discussion about mental health by letting your team know it’s okay to talk about problems they’re having and offering empathy and support
• Flexible work—remote work options or flexible hours can help alleviate some of the stressors, especially for those who are also trying to balance child or parental care
• Promote work-life balance—encourage employees to take regular breaks, use vacation time, and practice self-care outside of work, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation
• Training—educate managers and workers on the signs of mental health issues and what they should do

Sadly, fewer than one in four employees say their organization cares about their well-being—nearly half the number who said the same before COVID-19.

If you notice possible mental health issues in a co-worker, it’s important to take action in a supportive and non-judgmental way. For example, approach them privately and express your concern for their well-being, not for their lowered productivity or work mistakes. Offer to listen without judgment and provide them with information about available resources—whether that might be counseling through your company health program or help available in the community. 

Once a colleague is identified as having a possible mental health issue, be watchful and check in with them often to ensure they are making progress. 

Remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. Creating a supportive workplace environment not only optimizes productivity but can also make a significant difference in the worker’s quality of life.