Mental Health Focus for the Workforce
Without effective support for the staff, from the top level to the junior staff, mental disorders and other mental health conditions can affect a person’s confidence and identity at work, affect the capacity to work productively, absences and the ease with which to retain or gain work. According to a report by WHO, it is said that twelve billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety alone.
I am going to touch on different areas that are affected in the absence of a focus on employee mental health and wellbeing. Below are some reasons why the mental health of the workforce is critically important:
- Employee Well-being: When employees’ mental health is prioritized, they are more likely to experience improved overall well-being. This in turn leads to higher job satisfaction, reduced stress, and better work-life balance. Happy and mentally healthy employees are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive.
- Productivity and Performance: Employees facing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or burnout, often experience decreased productivity and performance. By addressing these issues, companies can help employees perform at their best, leading to better business outcomes.
- Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Mental health issues can result in increased absenteeism (employees taking time off work) and presenteeism (employees coming to work while not fully functioning due to personal concerns). This negatively impacts a company’s bottom line. By addressing mental health, companies can reduce these costs and maintain a healthier, more engaged workforce.
- Employee Retention: A focus on mental health can improve employee retention. Employees who feel supported in their mental well-being are more likely to stay with their current employer. High turnover rates can be expensive and disruptive to an organization.
- Legal and Ethical Obligations: In many countries, there are legal obligations for employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace, which includes addressing mental health. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences and damage to an organization’s reputation. This may not be a focal point in some countries, but one common result is an influence on production and performance.
- Employee Morale and Company Culture: Creating a workplace that supports mental health fosters a positive company culture. When employees see that their well-being is a priority, it can boost morale and enhance the overall working environment.
- Reducing Stigma: Promoting mental health in the workplace helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. When employees see that their employer values mental health, they may be more likely to seek help and support when needed. It also helps to have an Employee Assistance Program that would bring in outside mental health practitioners.
- Enhanced Innovation and Creativity: A mentally healthy workforce is more likely to be innovative and creative. Employees who are struggling with mental health issues may find it difficult to think creatively and come up with new ideas. Creativity is most times activated by the feel good hormones of dopamine and serotonin.
- Employee Collaboration and Communication: Good mental health has been known to improve employee communication and collaboration. Employees who are not mentally atressed are more likely to work effectively with their colleagues and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
- Long-term Success: Prioritizing mental health is an investment in the long-term success of an organization. By addressing mental health, companies can build a sustainable and resilient workforce capable of weathering challenges and adapting to change – which happens in the VUCA world we are in.
In summary, focusing on mental health in the workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business decision. It benefits both employees and employers, leading to improved well-being, productivity, and overall company success.
If you need our professional input in assisting to train or help to implement an EAP program, do not hesitate to get in touch.
If you have any points to add to the above… do let us know in the comment box below.
