Ways of Maintaining Positive Mental Health in the Workplace

The recognition of mental health’s importance for global development has increased in recent years. This is evident from the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. 

Mental health conditions can profoundly impact many aspects of our life, including school or work performance, relationships, and the ability to participate in the community. According to WHO, globally, an estimated of 12 billion working days are lost yearly due to depression and anxiety, not only affecting the life’s people themselves, but the socioeconomic landscape, costing US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

As we celebrate Global Mental Health Awareness this Month, in Teamwork Commerce, we wanted to shed light on this vital topic. We believe in prioritizing the well-being of our employees and all of our stakeholders. That is why, in this article, we will discuss the significance of maintaining positive mental health in the workplace, and explore practical ways to achieve it. But what is the significance of this? 

Risks to Mental Health at Work

Mental health conditions are increasing worldwide; almost 60% of the world’s population is actively working, and 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019. Adding to these numbers, there are many reports on this topic, such as one by The Harvard Business Review that reported 68 percent of Millennials and 81 percent of Gen Zers (versus 50 percent and 75 percent respectively in 2019) have left roles for mental health reasons, both voluntarily and involuntarily.

As can be seen, prioritizing mental health and implementing effective strategies to promote well-being in the workplace are crucial these days. Within the workplace, there are many factors that can impact the mental health of employees. These factors can arise from multiple sources, including job responsibilities, work hours and schedules, work environment, and the availability of opportunities for career growth and advancement, among other factors. 

It is our responsibility as employers to combat negative factors in the workplace. We should strive to create an environment that allows for our employees to be content and fulfilled. But, what steps can be taken to accomplish this? These are some recommendations. 

Prevent work-related Mental Health Conditions

Some of the risks to mental health at work can include overwhelming workloads, an accelerated work rhythm, unsocial or inflexible hours, lack of support from colleagues, and an organizational culture that enables negative behaviors, among many others. 

To prevent mental health conditions in the workplace, it is important to address potential risks ahead of time. This can be done by providing programs and activities that focus on working conditions and work environments. Examples of such activities include: 

• Providing flexible working conditions, like mixing in-office and remote work, whenever the employees decide, or by an agreed schedule. This usually results in people having a better work-life balance. 
• Opting for tools and team dynamics to help employees have better communication and encourage team collaboration and seamless workflows.
• Creating detailed role descriptions and activities for all the employees, and encouraging them to respect and set boundaries at work.
• Implementing frameworks to deal with bullying, discrimination, exclusion, and harassment.
• Encouraging a supportive environment: where the culture values mental well-being and supports open communication, empathy, and respect among colleagues.
• Managing workloads: Monitor workloads and ensure they are reasonable and manageable, avoiding excessive work demands.

Protect and Promote Mental Health at Work

Despite the growing efforts of many companies to raise awareness and provide support for the mental well-being of their employees and stakeholders, mental health continues to be a taboo topic for many. 

Fortunately, being an advocate, protecting, and promoting mental health at work increases with time. According to a 2021 survey cited by the Harvard Business Review, 47 percent of employees perceived their company leaders as advocates for mental health at work, marking an increase from 37 percent in 2019.

Protecting and promoting mental health in the workplace involves being proactive about ways to propitiate a safe place for mental health at work, some of the activities might include: 

• Engaging in mental health training. This helps managers and supervisors recognize and respond to the signs of emotional distress. For employees, it also helps to set boundaries and have a better work-life balance. 
• Raising awareness and providing resources. Provide education on mental health, including common conditions, signs to be aware of, online self-help tools, and others. An internal campaign can also work effectively.
• Encouraging social connections, team building activities, and interactions in and out of the workplace. 
• Creating an enabling environment for change is a sign of openness. This enables open communication and encourages employees to share new ideas and proposals. Constant feedback is also beneficial. 
• Launching anonymous surveys regularly. Schedule one-to-one calls with employees. The purpose of these calls is to discuss how employees feel in the workplace.

In conclusion, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not only crucial for the well-being of employees but also for the overall success of organizations. Reports have shown that a significant number of employees, especially younger generations, have left their roles due to mental health reasons. It is clear that certain work-related issues can lead to mental health problems. These factors include an excessive workload, inflexible schedules, inadequate support, and a negative work environment. 

It is essential for employers to take preventive measures to address challenges related to mental health in the workplace. They should promote a supportive environment and actively protect and promote mental health. By prioritizing the well-being of not only employees but all the stakeholders of an organization, brands can create a positive work environment that enhances mental health and ultimately contributes to the success and happiness of both individuals and the company as a whole.

Do you want to know more about Teamwork Commerce and how we can help your retail business? Contact us!