Did you know that one in five American adults experience a mental health disorder in a given year? That’s a lot of people! And unfortunately, many of those people feel like they can’t talk about it because of the stigma attached to mental health. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of mental health in the workplace and why it’s essential to nurture a good mental health environment. We’ll also share some tips for improving mental health in the workplace.
What Is the Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace?
Mental health is important in the workplace because it allows employees to be their best selves. That being said, when people are struggling with their mental health, it often manifests in their work performance. This can lead to decreased productivity, missed days of work, and low morale.
Furthermore, a toxic work environment negatively affects employee retention rates and only increases the cost of running a business due to hiring, firing, and training new people.
A good mental health environment in the workplace allows employees to feel supported and understood. It also helps to create a more positive work environment overall. Here are the top 5 reasons why we should destigmatize talking about mental health at work.
#1 Good Mental Health in the Workplace Boosts Productivity
It’s true – good mental health in the workplace boosts productivity. When employees are feeling good mentally, they’re more likely to be productive and less likely to miss work. A good mental health environment allows for creativity and innovation, which can lead to a more productive workplace. Furthermore, a positive work attitude affects our immune system.
#2 Talking About Mental Health at Work Makes Good Business Sense
Are you wondering how to improve mental health in the workplace? Well, talking about mental health at work is good for business, studies show. When people are stressed, their mental health suffers and, consequently, their work performance. Sick days, missed work, low morale, and no will to finish the tasks at a job – it’s all closely related to poor mental health at the workplace. On the other hand, companies that prioritize workers’ well-being outperform their competitors.
#3 Not Acting Can Have Serious Consequences
Thinking that things will settle on their own and that you only need to push through the stress is the most harmful decision you can make for your mental health. Stress will often lead to burnout which can lead to anxiety attacks, feeling overwhelmed, and severe procrastination.
#4 Good Mental Health in a Workplace Is the Best Marketing
We are all human, after all. Happy employees reach and fulfill their company’s goals easier. Good word of mouth can’t be beaten when it comes to marketing. Positive work culture and a healthy workplace – these will speak volumes about the company.
#5 It Helps Promote a Diverse Workforce
A healthy workforce fosters a nurturing environment where everybody feels safe. A positive working environment attracts a diverse workforce. Considering that companies are nothing without the people in them, a diverse workforce fosters positivity and better working conditions. On top of that, diverse workplaces are more productive, creative, and with a better sense of cultural awareness.
What Negatively Affects Mental Health at Work?
A lot of different factors can affect a person at their workplace. With that in mind, we cannot say that only one thing impacts every employee negatively. However, let’s go over some of the most common factors that can have a negative impact on workers’ mental health.
Stress
The most common factor that affects mental health in the workplace is stress. No matter what’s causing it, the aftermath is the same – stress can lead to anxiety, depression, other stress-related illnesses, and burnout.
Low Pay
When employees aren’t able to afford basic living conditions and when they are living from paycheck to paycheck – it’s very difficult on the mind and mental health. Even if there are enough funds, money is the basic currency that puts value on the work we do. Employees who are underpaid feel underappreciated.
Overtime / Long Hours
The only thing worse than overtime is working long hours without sufficient rest and financial stimulants. Without proper prioritization of work-life balance, you might exert yourself too much, and mental health could take a hit.
Toxic Collective
What if you have a toxic workforce around you? Cutthroat coworkers can be a cause of many stressful situations, especially if their behavior is affecting your productivity and threatening your livelihood. A bit of competition is healthy, but not to a point where you’re stressing yourself, and your mental health is suffering.
Bad Management
There are two types of bad management. One is unsympathetic and rigid and possibly doesn’t really care about the well-being of employees, and the other isn’t aware of the problems the employees are facing. There isn’t much that can be done in the first case, but you might try reasoning. Often, it’s more a question of understanding one’s workload and how encumbered you are. Setting boundaries is always the best practice.
How to Talk About Mental Health at Work With Your Boss?
Speaking about mental health is stigmatized, and many worry about coming to be seen as feeble or inept. Luckily, nowadays, talking about mental health has become more common, especially at work.
That’s why if you are struggling with your mental health and want to reach out to your boss, there are a few steps that can prepare you for that conversation:
- Pick the right time to talk about the problem – it is not advised to do it in the middle of the work day, so approach the boss in the morning or at the end of the shift.
- You can go through a few scripts before the talk – you can try an honest and direct approach, the one where you address your and the company’s needs, or make it an ongoing conversation.
- Know that the law is on your side – don’t be afraid to ask for help after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits workplace discrimination (including people who experience mental health conditions).
Stress, exhaustion, and issues with mental health do affect us all occasionally. In order to maintain your success as a worker and a person, you deserve the time and room to manage your mental health. And talking to your boss can have a beneficial impact on your mental health in the workplace.
Schedule a Therapy Session Near You
The common denominator of all unhealthy workplaces is stress. You can help your body and mind relax and enjoy full benefits from counseling to bodywork.
Schedule An Appointment
To do so, visit the Wise Oak Counseling’s Contact page and schedule an appointment with a therapist. With our bodywork therapy (including polarity therapy), you’ll learn how to deal with your work-related stress in no time.
