Mental wellbeing in the workplace is a critical component of a healthy work environment, which can lead to happier employees, increased job satisfaction, and higher productivity. However, recent data from various studies shows that stress levels and concerns related to mental health have been on the rise in the workplace.
In a recent study, “moderate to high” workplace stress levels have increased by 13% since 2020. According to another survey, 76% of employees across various industries currently experience high levels of worry and tension connected to their jobs. Furthermore, the Office for National Statistics has revealed that we are also witnessing record numbers of people taking time off work because of long-term sickness.
These findings show how important it is for employers and HR advisors to prioritize the mental well-being of their employees. In this article, we will explore different strategies and initiatives that can promote mental well-being in the workplace.
Increasing Workplace Stress Levels
The aforementioned study, which reveals an increase in “moderate to high” workplace stress levels, is a cause for concern for employers. The underlying reasons for the increase are multifaceted and can range from job insecurity to heavy workload and intense work pressure.
The impact of prolonged stress on an individual’s mental health can be detrimental, and when mental health issues are not addressed, they can lead to medical leaves, decreased employee productivity, and higher work turnover rates. In addition, when an employee’s anxiety goes unnoticed, it often leads to the development of other health concerns, such as depression, causing more serious conditions.
High levels of worry and tension
As stated earlier, 76% of employees who took part in a recent survey claim to be experiencing high levels of worry and tension related to their job. Data from this survey also indicates that work-related stress levels are especially high in some industries, such as healthcare, education, and customer service.
High stress levels and prolonged exposure to a stressful work environment can lead to several mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Employers must proactively intervene to ensure that employees receive the appropriate support and resources they need to manage their mental wellbeing.
Increasing rate of sick leave
The Office for National Statistics has also revealed that there is a record number of people taking time off work due to long-term sickness. Companies should consider the potential impact of employee illness and absenteeism on their team members and clients.
Employers should be empathetic towards their employees and communicate with them to understand their unique situations before exploring additional supportive measures they can offer. Too often, employees feel ashamed to disclose their health issues, leading to further stress and shame.
Stigma surrounding mental health issues
Many people are still uncomfortable discussing their mental health issues, and to this end, a survey revealed that 47% of people would be uncomfortable discussing mental health issues with colleagues and managers. The reasons for this can range from a lack of cultural sensitivity training to merely general discomfort with discussing mental health issues.
Employers should ensure that mental health is discussed just as openly in the workplace as physical wellbeing. It can be challenging to address the existing stigma around mental health issues, but it can be done by promoting openness and transparency in identifying and resolving these problems.
Strategies for promoting mental wellbeing
There are several ways that employers can promote the mental wellbeing of their workforce. One of the most significant benefits of monitoring the wellbeing of employees is the ability to identify issues early and prevent situations where individuals may feel overwhelmed.
Creating Peer Support Systems: Peer support systems can create a framework for employees to share their experiences and offer support and advice for coping with difficulties. Peer-led support can help create a sense of camaraderie and resilience where employees can identify and support one another during times of need.
Train Mental Health First Aiders: Mental Health First Aid training provides individuals with the skills to recognize common symptoms of mental health conditions and offer emotional support and practical help when needed. When employees develop an understanding of the importance of their co-workers’ mental well-being, it contributes to key employee benefits such as reduced staff turnover and absenteeism.
Employers should aim to invest in wellbeing support programs that cater to the specific needs of employees. Such programs can range from establishing dedicated workspaces for employees who need support, to short-term counseling and confidential support hotlines.
Encouraging Conversation and Reducing Stigma
Employers can help reduce the stigma around mental health issues in the workplace by creating open channels of communication. Setting aside time within working hours to have conversations about sensitive topics such as anxiety, depression, or stress can help promote transparency and encourage helpful conversations among colleagues. Employers could consider organizing “wellbeing days” to encourage colleagues to take care of their mental and physical wellbeing.
There is no doubt that prioritizing the mental wellbeing of employees is the right thing for companies to do. The benefits of creating a care-centered workplace extend beyond the individual employee and help groups and organizations to achieve a more significant sense of community and collective purpose. Employers and HR advisors should take the recent findings on the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace seriously and ensure that their workplace culture promotes it.