Enhancing Mental Health at Work: 10 Strategies for Improved Well-being
- Moe | Scarlet Plus
- Feb 26, 2024
- 5 min read
Given that you and your colleagues dedicate the majority of your waking moments to working side by side, it's inevitable that work becomes a fundamental component of a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
On this page:
How Does Mental Health Impact On-The-Job Performance?
Mental health awareness in the workplace is nothing new. That’s probably because its impact can be devastating to a business’s bottom line. According to Mental Health America, disengaged employees cost businesses more than half a trillion dollars every year.
Many organizations already realize the need to support their workers' mental health—through their employee/lifestyle benefits. As a report commissioned by the American Heart Association found, more than 8 out of every 10 employees state that their employer provides at least one form of mental health offer. But employees say they wish their employers did more.
Risks to mental health at work
At work, risks to mental health, also called psychosocial risks, may be related to job content or work schedule, specific characteristics of the workplace or opportunities for career development among other things.
Risks to mental health at work can include:
under-use of skills or being under-skilled for work;
excessive workloads or work pace, understaffing;
long, unsocial or inflexible hours;
lack of control over job design or workload;
unsafe or poor physical working conditions;
organizational culture that enables negative behaviors;
limited support from colleagues or authoritarian supervision;
violence, harassment or bullying;
discrimination and exclusion;
unclear job role;
under- or over-promotion;
job insecurity, inadequate pay, or poor investment in career development;
conflicting home/work demands.
More than half the global workforce works in the informal economy (2), where there is no regulatory protection for health and safety. These workers often operate in unsafe working environments, work long hours, have little or no access to social or financial protections and face discrimination, all of which can undermine mental health.
Although psychosocial risks can be found in all sectors, some workers are more likely to be exposed to them than others, because of what they do or where and how they work. Health, humanitarian or emergency workers often have jobs that carry an elevated risk of exposure to adverse events, which can negatively impact mental health.
Economic recessions or humanitarian and public health emergencies elicit risks such as job loss, financial instability, reduced employment opportunities or increased unemployment.
Work can be a setting which amplifies wider issues that negatively affect mental health, including discrimination and inequality based on factors such as, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, social origin, migrant status, religion or age.
People with severe mental health conditions are more likely to be excluded from employment, and when in employment, they are more likely to experience inequality at work. Being out of work also poses a risk to mental health. Unemployment, job and financial insecurity, and recent job loss are risk factors for suicide attempts.
Here are 10 easy ways to help foster mental wellness in your workplace.
Encourage Open Dialogues on Mental Health: Set up regular opportunities or designated areas for employees to discuss mental health openly without fear of being judged. Host sessions with mental health experts to inform and educate your team. Share personal experiences from team members who've dealt with mental health issues, creating an environment of empathy and openness.
Spot and Tackle Burnout Early: Don't underestimate job burnout; it's a serious issue that can affect both physical and mental health. Signs to watch for include:
Overwhelming exhaustion affects concentration
A growing sense of detachment or cynicism
Feelings of ineffectiveness and self-doubt To fight burnout, consider offering flexible working options or personal days off, in addition to workload adjustments.
Encourage Regular Breaks: Taking breaks is vital for recharging and boosting productivity. Encourage your team to step away for a bit, whether for a short walk or a few minutes of fresh air, especially when stress levels rise. Exercise and a change of scenery can work wonders for mental overload and creativity.
Keep Communication Clear: Nothing adds stress like uncertainty. Keep everyone in the loop about changes, expectations, and feedback. Open lines of communication foster trust, reduce anxiety and strengthen team dynamics.
Challenge Your Team: Monotony kills motivation. Spice things up with new projects or challenges to keep engagement high. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also promotes personal growth and talent retention.
Provide Mental Health Support: Offer access to mental health apps or counseling services through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Sharing resources regularly can help normalize seeking help and support mental wellness.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Create policies that discourage working outside of office hours and encourage downtime. Educating your team on the importance of boundaries can help maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Acknowledge Efforts and Achievements: Set up a recognition system to celebrate successes, both big and small. Offering personal development opportunities as rewards can show your appreciation and motivate your team.
Incorporate Wellness Activities: Organize wellness events, from fitness sessions to mental health workshops. Providing tools for self-care, like meditation guides, can support employees' overall well-being.
Lead with Mental Health in Mind: Leadership should model healthy mental health practices and encourage the team to prioritize their well-being. Integrating mental health discussions into leadership meetings can underline its importance across all levels of the organization.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace is an ongoing effort that benefits from leadership down to every team member. By adopting these strategies, companies can foster an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and motivated to take care of their mental health. A focus on mental wellness not only leads to a happier team but also drives productivity and engagement. Making mental health a priority is not just good ethics; it's good business.
Key facts
Decent work is good for mental health.
Poor working environments – including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity – pose a risk to mental health.
15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019.
Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
There are effective actions to prevent mental health risks at work, protect and promote mental health at work, and support workers with mental health conditions.
Take the First Step with Adelson Behavioral & Mental Health
Beginning your journey toward better mental health is a courageous move, and finding the best psychiatrist is a crucial part of that process.
If you're looking for psychiatric in Arlington, TX | Dallas, TX | Fort-Worth, TX, Mansfield, TX, Adelson Behavioral & Mental Health is ready to help. We offer personalized and empathetic care tailored to your unique needs.
