By
Pooja Patil
In today's chaotic world, it's no wonder that stress has become an unwelcome companion. Everywhere we turn, whether it's tuning in to the latest news updates, glancing at our phone notifications, skimming through headlines, or even scrolling through our social media feeds, we find ourselves bombarded with triggers that take a toll on our mental well-being.
Just take a moment to reflect on the challenges we are collectively confronting as a society. For the past three years, we have grappled with an unrelenting health threat, with Covid-19 variants constantly evolving and numbers fluctuating unpredictably. This persistent uncertainty has cast a shadow over our lives, making it difficult to plan for the future and maintain stability. And let's not forget the economic instability and the rising prices we encounter at the pumps and in our grocery stores, adding another layer of stress to our daily lives.
But it doesn't end there.
These external pressures merely scratch the surface of what most of us face within the sanctuary of our homes and workplaces. The demands and responsibilities we carry on our shoulders in these domains can be overwhelming, leaving us juggling multiple challenges, seeking balance, and struggling to find moments of respite.
It's no wonder we are in the middle of a mental health crisis.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health has been nothing short of staggering
A staggering 76% of workers experienced at least one symptom of a mental health condition.
Moreover, over 200 million workdays are lost annually due to mental health conditions alone.
The economic toll is equally alarming, costing the United States a staggering $3.7 trillion each year as a result of untreated mental illness.
84% of people reported encountering at least one workplace factor that detrimentally impacted their mental well-being.
These findings paint a vivid picture of the urgent need for action.
Uncertainty fosters anxiety, and we live in uncertain times, making it equally crucial to acknowledge this issue. And now is the time! Listen to your employees, acknowledge their issues, and provide them with apt solutions to overcome those. Here is everything you need to know about addressing the mental health crisis at your workplace.
Key challenges faced by employees today
Work-Life Balance
In the present era of rapid advancements, attaining a harmonious equilibrium between work and personal life can pose a challenging endeavor. Numerous workers encounter difficulties when effectively juggling their obligations within their professional and personal spheres, resulting in heightened stress and anxiety levels. It is prudent for employers to contemplate the provision of adaptable working schedules, the advocacy of time management techniques, and the fostering of a culture that emphasizes the importance of regular breaks.
Remote Work
Although remote work provides flexibility, it can also lead to isolation and loneliness. To address this, employers should create virtual communication platforms, encourage regular check-ins, and promote team bonding activities to foster a sense of connection among remote employees. Furthermore, offering mental health resources designed for remote work settings can help employees maintain their well-being.
Burnout
Work-related stress and excessive demands in the workplace can result in burnout, adversely impacting employees' mental well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Employers must acknowledge the indicators of burnout and implement measures to prevent it. Strategies may involve:
- Establishing reasonable expectations.
- Ensuring a fair distribution of workloads.
- Providing resources and assistance to help employees effectively cope with stress.
The stigma around mental health
Employees might feel reluctant to openly address their mental well-being concerns owing to apprehensions about being judged or facing discriminatory treatment. Employers are responsible for fostering an environment that encourages and normalizes conversations about mental health crises while offering unwavering support. Furthermore, organizations must provide comprehensive training to all employees, enhancing their knowledge and comprehension of mental health matters.
Benefits of Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace
According to research, employers bear a financial burden of over $100 billion every year, along with a loss of 217 workdays, due to mental health conditions. By assuming a proactive stance in the workplace, numerous advantages can be gained. Here is how prioritizing and addressing mental health crises in the workplace can benefit your organization.
Increased productivity
According to a report, 31% of employers expressed concerns about the substantial or significant influence of workplace mental health on their organizations. This percentage reflects an increase from the previous year, specifically from 20% reported in early 2020.
Prioritizing workplace mental health cultivates a supportive environment that fosters employee well-being, leading to reduced stress levels and increased focus. By addressing these challenges, organizations unlock the potential for improved productivity, as employees are empowered to bring their best selves to work and contribute their talents wholeheartedly.
Decreased absenteeism
Workers who suffer from mental health conditions are prone to taking time off from their jobs, negatively affecting overall productivity. Prioritizing workplace mental health fosters a supportive environment where employees feel valued and supported, reducing the likelihood of absenteeism. By proactively addressing these issues, organizations can enhance employee well-being and create a positive work culture, decreasing absenteeism rates.
Better physical health for employees
Employees who face mental health difficulties also encounter elevated occurrences of physical health ailments, such as heart disease. This leads to increased expenses for medical treatment and extended periods of absence from work. Treating individuals with comorbid mental health issues and other physical conditions costs two to three times more than those without concurrent illnesses. Organizations can create a ripple effect by addressing mental health issues, promoting a healthier workforce, and fostering overall wellness.
Competitive advantage in recruiting and retention
Employers prioritizing the well-being of potential new hires and current employees are more likely to be chosen, as they offer policies and benefits catering to wellness considerations.
Also Read: 5 Tips to Help Make Your Business a Great Place to Work
Five ways organizations can address and improve employees' mental health
Offer mental and physical health benefits
Prioritizing mental health brings advantages to employees, employers, and society as a whole. Acknowledging the strong connection between mental and physical well-being and adopting a comprehensive strategy is important. Here are several initiatives that employers can consider investing in to support overall health:
- Allocating dedicated spaces for meditation and relaxation.
- Providing complimentary fitness classes within the workplace.
- Establishing exercise groups for employees.
- Offering therapy services and programs centered around mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
- Making available free or discounted mental wellness applications.
Create regular check-ins and open communication
The quality of interpersonal connections and the level of transparency in communication directly impact both productivity and mental well-being. Given this, employers should exhibit authenticity and establish a supportive environment where employees feel safe to express their worries and seek assistance. Additional methods to foster open communication can include:
- Developing surveys to gauge employee satisfaction.
- Implementing regular check-ins with both management and mental health professionals.
- Encouraging employees to openly discuss their dissatisfactions by incorporating their feedback and suggestions into actionable solutions.
Encourage autonomy and build a flexible workplace
Nearly 50% of workers restricted from participating in decision-making processes experience heightened stress levels within the workplace.
To promote a sense of autonomy and flexibility, the following strategies can be implemented:
- Grant employees the opportunity to devise their own schedules.
- Provide options for remote work arrangements.
- Explore the feasibility of implementing four-day work weeks.
- Involve employees in decisions that directly impact them.
- Seek their input and acknowledge their achievements.
- Organize events aimed at expressing gratitude and appreciation for employees' contributions.
Reduce workloads and let employees unplug
A significant number of workers have experienced increased working hours and difficulty disconnecting since the onset of the Covid pandemic. Specifically, more than half of the surveyed individuals acknowledged working longer hours, while nearly 30% expressed an inability to disconnect from work entirely.
Additionally, the report highlighted millennials' concerns about burnout, with limited free time being identified as one of the primary contributors, alongside financial stress and inadequate paid time off. Given these findings, it is evident that addressing employee burnout can have mutually beneficial outcomes for the company and its workers' well-being. Implementing the following measures might aid in reducing burnout:
- Establishing designated work hours for sending and receiving emails.
- Discouraging the practice of overtime.
- Increasing the workforce to distribute workloads effectively.
- Promoting and incentivizing regular vacations while enhancing the number of paid time off days.
- Conducting periodic surveys to assess burnout levels within the workforce.
Implement education and training
Even with the availability of services, individuals prefer in-office mental health training. It is crucial to highlight and make easily accessible the benefits you provide so they are not overlooked. Moreover, employers must implement education at all levels of management and among employees, ensuring that everyone is well-informed about the options available to them. Without consistent in-person training and educational opportunities, employees may face a lack of knowledge regarding their options or experience demotivation when it comes to taking essential actions.
The prevalence of mental health crises and employee burnout is on the rise, affecting both companies and individuals significantly. The costs associated with decreased productivity and healthcare services have reached alarming levels, necessitating proactive measures by companies to promote workplace health and well-being. Establishing an inclusive approach that combines both in-office and off-site benefits, focusing on physical and mental health, represents the most effective means of enhancing individual productivity and overall wellness.
Conclusion
Addressing the workplace mental health crises is a moral and strategic necessity for organizations. By recognizing the profound impact of mental health on employee well-being and productivity, companies can cultivate a supporting and inclusive work environment that fosters mental well-being. By implementing comprehensive mental health initiatives, such as destigmatizing conversations around mental health, providing access to resources and support, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, organizations can empower employees to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed.
Exela HR Solutions is a market leader in providing HR outsourcing services that offer solutions according to your organizational requirements. Talk to our experts to help make your workplace a better place to work with adequate physical and mental well-being practices in place.
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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly, and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your area.