Mental Health @ Workplace

Author: Sadhana Singh, Counselling Psychologist  

Editor: EmptyCare Team  

Updated on: 30th January 2023 

Mental wellness is crucial for a healthy and productive workplace, yet it is often neglected or ignored. Mental health concerns can cause employees to experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems that can negatively affect their job performance and well-being.  

According to research conducted by WHO in 2022, 47% people consider workplace related stress as the biggest factor contributing to their poor mental health out of which 39% people do not seek mental health support because of the stigma attached to the topic. 

The significance of mental health among employees is getting acknowledged as a key factor in their overall well-being. Stressful work conditions and poor mental health can contribute to various physical health problems, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and more. Additionally, employees with poor mental health may suffer from burnout, severely impacting their ability to perform both professionally and personally. According to a survey conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) prior to the pandemic, more than 40% of private sector employees experienced depression or general anxiety disorder (GAD).  

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health wellness at work. However, many organizations still do not prioritize it, and employees often do not feel comfortable discussing their mental health with their employers. This can lead to employees struggling with mental health concerns and stress in silence, which can be detrimental to their well-being and productivity. 

Here are several reasons why mental health is important in the workplace: 

1. Productivity: Employees who are struggling with mental health concerns and stress may experience decreased productivity, which can impact the overall performance of the organization. Research conducted by Deloitte in Sep 2022 suggested that 33% of people continued to work despite their poor mental health which resulted in deteriorating their mental health even more. 
2. Physical health: Mental health and physical health are interdependent. Employees who experience stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns may also experience physical health problems, such as headaches, back pain, heart disease, memory etc. which can lead to absenteeism. Deloitte’s research, 2022 also derived that 29% people take a leave of absence and 20% resigned to manage their poor mental health 
3. Job satisfaction: Employees who feel supported in their mental health needs are more likely to feel satisfied with their jobs and be more engaged in their work. This can lead to lower turnover rates and improved employee morale. 
4. Communication: Miscommunication can result from poor emotional well-being. Individuals struggling with mental health may have difficulty communicating effectively with colleagues, resulting in misinterpretation or disharmony in the team. This can manifest as passive-aggressive speech, poor listening skills, or a negative outlook. 
5. Decision Making: Poor mental health can lead to impaired decision-making, characterized by a lack of self-control, negative thoughts, and poor judgment. This can result in missing meetings, tardiness, failing to fulfil obligations, or disregarding company policies. 

While there has been increased awareness amongst masses, stigma continues to play a key role in inhibiting reach or access to care. Reporting mental health issues in the workplace is far more unlikely as compared with other health conditions, according to a report by Deloitte. 

Workplaces have an increased responsibility to foster a safe and healthy environment for its employees. The efforts will have to not only be reactive but preventive. 

1. Stigma: There is still a significant amount of stigma surrounding mental health, which can make employees reluctant to discuss their mental health with their employers 
2. Lack of resources: Many organizations do not have the resources or support systems in place to address mental health issues, leaving employees to struggle on their own 
3. Limited understanding: Some employers may not fully understand or undermine the impact that mental health can have on their employees, and as a result, may not prioritize it 

Various measures can be taken by organizations to build an environment that promotes mental health at workplace. They can start with building: 

1. Mental health resources: Organizations can provide resources, such as counselling services, support groups, and mental health days, to help employees manage their mental health 
2. Support system: Employers can create a workplace culture that is supportive of mental health and encourages employees to speak up if they are struggling. Leadership and management can play a significant role in creating a safe space by sharing their personal accounts and encouraging their team to share their concerns to create a nurturing environment  
3. Psychoeducation: Employers can provide education and training to help employees understand the importance of mental health wellness and how to prioritize it on individual as well as organizational level 
4. Work-life balance: Organizations can help employees achieve a better work-life balance by promoting flexible schedules, mental wellness days and reducing workplace stress 
5. Career development: Employees may be discouraged from seeking mental health support owing to fear of impact on performance evaluation and perceptions about their potential. Performance evaluations can be made more progressive to allow employees to seek help without any impact on their career growth and opportunities. 

In summary, 5 key points about mental health are: 

• Mental health is more than the mere absence of mental illness 
• Physical health and mental health are interconnected/interlinked 
• Mental health tips help in coping and understanding stress 
• Mental health and human productivity are interdependent 
• Promoting workplace wellness must be a priority 

Mental wellness is crucial for a healthy and productive workplace. Employers can take steps to prioritize mental health by offering resources, creating a supportive environment, educating employees, and fostering work-life balance. By prioritizing mental health, organizations can help employees perform their best, improve their physical health, increase job satisfaction, improve communication as well as productivity. 

If you or your organization needs mental health support, please write to us at [email protected]. We can build a tailor-made mental health plan for your organization that is not only reactive but preventive too.