Mental Health: Why companies should worry about their employee’s health
Mental illness is like the cancer of the mind, which can affect emotional and physical well-being and become terminal sometimes. Poor mental health has become an epidemic, affecting about 450 million people yearly.
On the surface, it may appear mental health isn’t that much of an issue in the workplace, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Workers suffering from mental illnesses or diseases are far more likely to call in sick than their healthy counterparts or show signs. As a result, when mental illness is left untreated, it can affect an organization’s productivity and bottom line if not addressed correctly.
Companies need to invest in their employee’s mental health and mental health in the workplace because there are many ways to improve it and increase the overall quality of life at work. To help reduce these risks, here are some tips on how companies can help their employees improve their mental health and their productivity.
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Facts About Mental Health at Work
According to the World Health Organization, below are workplace mental health facts:
- Insecure jobs, discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, and low job control are all factors that contribute to poor mental health.
- Mental disorders are estimated to affect 15% of working-age adults in 2019.
- Depression and anxiety cost the world $1 trillion each year in lost productivity due to 12 billion working days lost yearly.
- The workplace can protect and promote mental health, and we can provide workers suffering from mental health conditions with support.
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The most common signs of mental illness in the workplace
Mental illness can be hard to spot, as the signs and symptoms can differ from person to person. However, some common signs show a person is struggling with a mental illness. If you see any of these signs in an employee or co-worker, have a discussion and offer them support.
Some of the most common signs of mental illness in the workplace include:
- Increased absenteeism
- Reduced productivity
- Increased accidents and errors
- Withdrawal or socially isolated behavior
- Changes in appearance or hygiene
- Unusual or inappropriate behavior
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Poor Mental Condition in the Workplace: Leading Causes
- In the workplace, one of the most common causes of poor mental condition is a lack of sleep. Studies have shown that people who get less than seven hours of sleep per night are more likely to feel anxious and depressed. Those who work shifts or irregular schedules are at a higher risk for poor mental health since it’s nearly impossible to get sufficient rest.
- Another leading cause of poor mental conditions in the workplace is bullying and harassment. According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), bullying can lead to anxiety disorders and depression.
- Work stressors, such as long hours and irregular schedules, can contribute to poor mental health at work. These factors include physical demands on workers’ bodies, unsociable hours, high orders for job performance, deadlines, and unrealistic expectations from supervisors or clients.
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Its Effect on Workplace Productivity
The effects of mental health on employees’ productivity are powerful and multifaceted. It can affect their ability to perform at work. When a person is dealing with a mental health issue, they may not be able to focus as well on their tasks, like working on projects or completing paperwork. They may also have trouble motivating themselves to get things done. It can impact their performance at work as well as overall productivity levels.
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The Best Way to Take Care of Your Employees’ Mental Health
As an employer, you must provide a healthy and safe work environment in the workplace. It includes taking steps to protect their mental health.
- You can provide them with access to mental health resources.
- Create a culture of open communication, and promote a healthy work-life balance.
- You can also offer employee assistance programs and take steps to prevent and address workplace violence.
These steps can create a more mentally healthy workplace and help your employees thrive.
In conclusion, mental disorder is a significant problem in the workplace, and companies should be taking steps to protect their employees. Although some organizations have taken steps to protect workers who experience symptoms of mental illnesses, more education and occupational health support for those suffering are vital. Medbury’s occupational health services can provide your employees with expert care and high-quality services. Contact us today to learn more!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is mental health in the workplace so important?
Mental health in the workplace is vital because it can help you perform your best and be a more effective employee. Specifically, it can help you:
- Manage stress
- Remember important information
- Stay on task
- Keep emotions in check
Why is mental health awareness so important?
Mental health awareness is necessary because it’s the first step in treating our mental health issues. Let people know there are options for help and that they’re not alone in their struggles.
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