As the pandemic has highlighted the importance of employee mental health and well-being, there has been an increasing focus on how to best support workers in this area. Many studies show that a majority of employees experience stress in some form, which can cause mental and physical health problems. Despite heightened awareness, a third of workers still lie to their bosses when they take a day off, and only 20% of workers ever tell their bosses they need time off for mental health reasons. In this article, we’ll explore how employers can do more to support employee mental health and why it’s a necessary deterrent against burnout and mental health crises.
The Prevalence of Mental and Physical Stress Among Employees
According to recent surveys, nearly 60% of employees have experienced some form of stress in the past two years, whether physical or mental in nature. This can have a terrible impact on their productivity and well-being. When employees feel stressed out, they may start to develop health issues such as headaches, insomnia, and even depression. For employers, it’s important to recognize the prevalence of stress among their workers and start thinking proactively about how to better support them in this area.
Employers’ Motivations for Supporting Their Employees’ Mental Health and Well-being
Why should employers bother with this aspect of their workers’ lives? For one thing, it’s the right thing to do. Employees are much more likely to be loyal and engaged when they know their company is looking out for their well-being. But there are also financial benefits to be gained; by reducing the prevalence of stress and mental health issues, employers can decrease absenteeism and increase productivity, contributing to the bottom line.
Employees’ Tendency to Overlook Their Own Mental Health
Despite the prevalence of stress, employees often overlook their mental health in favor of physical health. They are more likely to report physical symptoms than mental ones and may feel more comfortable lying to bosses about physical vs. mental ailments. This is a troubling trend given the connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Employers need to recognize that workers’ mental health is just as important as their physical health.
The Frequency of Employees Lying About Taking Time Off for Mental Health Reasons
It’s important to highlight the reality that many workers still feel uncomfortable discussing mental health issues with their bosses. A third of employees surveyed have lied about taking a day off, citing physical illness when they really needed time for their mental health. This highlights a concerning trend in which workers feel they need to downplay or even hide their mental health needs in the workplace.
The Mistaken Belief That Mental Well-being is an All-or-Nothing Situation
Many workers mistakenly believe that it is impossible to improve or maintain their mental well-being without fully committing to it. This all-or-nothing thinking can prevent them from exploring the various options available to support their mental health, such as taking breaks throughout the workday, going for a walk during lunchtime, or even scheduling an appointment with a therapist.
The Importance of Offering a Range of Options for Supporting Mental Health
Employers can do more to support their employees’ mental wellness by providing a range of options that cater to different individuals’ needs. These options may include things like stress management programs, meditation sessions, and community-building activities. By offering a variety of options, workers are more likely to find something suitable for them and feel less overwhelmed by the task of addressing their mental health.
Negative experiences that employees have had when talking about mental health at work
Despite the growing awareness of the importance of mental health at work, many workers still report negative experiences when they attempt to discuss their mental health with their bosses or colleagues. Nearly half of employees who have talked about mental health at work have had a negative experience, which may include being dismissed or ignored. This highlights the need for more training and support for employers on how to create a more supportive culture around mental health.
The Connection Between Employee Engagement and Positive Impacts on Mental Health
Employees who feel engaged in their work are much more likely to report a positive impact on their mental health. In fact, engaged employees are five times more likely to report that their job has an “extremely positive impact” on their mental health. This provides further motivation for employers to focus on creating a work culture that is supportive of employees’ mental health.
Decreased Interactions Among Employees Due to the Pandemic
It is important to recognize that the pandemic has made it more difficult for workers to interact with each other, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. With many people working remotely, employees may feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues. Employers need to be mindful of this and work to create opportunities for employees to connect and socialize, whether through virtual hangouts or other means.
In conclusion, the state of employee mental health is a critical issue that employers need to take seriously. With so many workers experiencing stress and mental health problems, it’s important for employers to create a supportive culture that encourages open dialogue about mental health issues. By offering a range of options for workers to improve their mental well-being, employers can help prevent burnout and other mental health crises. At the same time, creating a supportive culture around mental health will foster engagement among workers and ultimately contribute to a happier and healthier workplace.
