Mental health challenges affect millions of employees and can significantly impact productivity, engagement, and retention. Discover the warning signs of poor mental health, common workplace triggers, and practical strategies employers can implement to build healthier, more supportive workplaces.
With one in five individuals in the US experiencing a work-related mental health issue in their lifetime, including anxiety, depression, or stress, more must be done to support employees and create healthier workplaces where both individuals and organizations can thrive.
The fact is mental health issues are often at the root of reduced employee satisfaction alongside a decline in individual productivity and standard of work. Big Health estimates the cost of mental health and poor sleep to US businesses to be around $44.6 billion annually. Given these staggering figures, its imperative employers take mental health awareness and management seriously.
The warning signs to look out for
Recognizing the warning signs of poor mental health in the workplace is crucial. These symptoms may manifest physically, psychologically, or behaviorally. Line managers should be aware of warning signs to promptly address symptoms and prevent them from escalating.
- Physical symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, indigestion, changes in sleep patterns.
- Psychological symptoms: Anxiety, tearfulness, low mood, indecisiveness, loss of humor, illogical thought processes.
- Behavioral symptoms: Increased smoking and drinking, withdrawal, irritability, restlessness, uncharacteristic errors, and uncharacteristic problems with colleagues.
- Changed attendance patterns: Lateness, working long hours, taking leave at short notice.
The causes of poor mental health in the workplace
Various factors contribute to employee poor mental health in the workplace, including long working hours, unrealistic expectations, and high-pressure environments. By acknowledging workplace triggers including those listed below, managers can be aware of an employee’s exposure to them and the potential impact.
- Working long hours with minimal breaks
- Unrealistic expectations or deadlines
- High-pressure environments
- No positive reinforcement from upper management
- Poor working environment, for example, inadequate lighting or breakout areas
- Negative relationships or poor communication
- Poor workplace culture
- Lack of management support
- Job insecurity
- High-risk roles that may attract backlash from friends and family
- Working alone
Strategies to support employee mental health
As an employer, you must foster a culture of acceptance, to encourage open communication, provide opportunities for feedback, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding. You can do this in various ways, including:
- Promote mental health awareness and training: Employers can raise awareness about mental health issues by providing education and resources, including workshops, seminars, and informational materials that address common mental health concerns. Ensure that this is up-to-date information and what the steps are to manage it on a personal and collective level.
- Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs provide confidential counselling and support services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges, including mental health issues. Employers can partner with EAP providers to offer counselling, referral services, and resources to employees and their families.
- Prioritize work-life balance: Encourage work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as flexible or condensed hours. Encourage employees to take breaks, use their annual leave throughout the year, and prioritize self-care.
- Provide health and wellbeing benefits: Offer comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits as part of the employee benefits package, for example, coverage for therapy, private healthcare, gym memberships, or mindfulness activities such as yoga classes and access to meditation apps. Ensure that employees are aware of their benefits and how to access them.
- Train people managers: Provide training to managers and supervisors on how to recognize signs of mental distress in employees, initiate conversations about mental health, and provide appropriate support and accommodations to create a supportive and inclusive work environment. You may want to consider appointing Mental Health First Aiders equipped with practical techniques to support those who may be struggling.
- Lead by example: Employers must lead by example to show employees that mental health is a priority. Demonstrate commitment to employee mental health by allowing leadership to prioritize their wellbeing, model healthy work habits, and openly support mental health initiatives within the organization.
Mental health in the workplace cannot be overlooked. Identifying warning signs and workplace triggers is the first step to supporting employees, followed by implementing a robust employee health and wellbeing strategy. For advice on how to become an inclusive and supportive employer throughout the application and interview stage, please contact our team today.