It is a commonly accepted fact that adults spend roughly one-third of their lives at work. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), work is considered good for health. However, they also note that negative work environments can be corrosive to physical and mental health and are also likely to perpetuate existing difficulties. Across the globe, organisations are starting to wake up to the huge issue of mental health among their employees.
The cost of ignoring mental health in the workplace is staggering. The most common mental health problems affecting employees are anxiety and depression. Unsurprisingly, these health issues can reflect on an employee’s job performance. As well as affecting their judgement, ability to work with others and productivity, it can also lead to an inability to fully concentrate which can often cause costly mistakes or accidents in the workplace. Another concern for businesses is workplace stress. While stress is a normal part of life, the ways which people cope can vary. Without proper management, stress can cause mental health problems like anxiety and depression or exacerbate existing conditions. Together stress, depression and anxiety are some of the biggest occupational health issues facing businesses today and the key drivers of employee absenteeism.
It is often presumed that an employee’s mental health issues develop outside of the workplace. However, an employee may develop mental health problems prior to employment or during employment. An ‘unhealthy’ work environment or a workplace incident can cause considerable stress and worsen, or contribute to, the development of mental health problems.
Mental disorders affect each person differently. Therefore, it is important for all individuals in the workplace to be aware of potential contributing factors to mental health issues and strategies to maintain a positive pathway to good mental health.
Good mental health at work and good management go hand in hand. Effectively supporting and promoting employees’ health and wellbeing in the workplace creates a healthy workforce. This means optimum efficiency, increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, as well as decreased employee turnover. Thus, it is vital for organisations to invest in training and treatment for mental health. Employees will benefit and in turn, so will the business.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that for every $1 invested into the treatment and support of mental health disorders, businesses see a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. In another review on mental health and employers, researchers found that for every £1 businesses invested in mental health training programmes they can see a return of up to £10. These programmes work to improve the culture around mental health in the workplace, better train managers and aid in reducing stigma related to mental health.
It is proven that there is an important correlation between mental wellbeing and business success. A lack of support and attention to mental health and employee wellbeing in the workplace can negatively impact workforce productivity, staff turnover, business reputation, customer service and the cost of sick days. In contrast, good mental health works as an asset to a business, helping employees to thrive. Businesses should not only aim to reduce mental health problems, but also encourage positive mental health throughout the organisation.
