“ Mental Health at Work ”

#WorldMentalHealthDay

#WMHD2024

The link between Mental Health and Workplace Wellbeing

Mental health is increasingly being recognized as a critical factor in determining an individual’s overall well-being, productivity, and organizational success. For employees, a healthy mental state is intrinsically linked to workplace well-being, impacting both job satisfaction and career growth. Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, are becoming prevalent across the world, especially in fast-paced environments. India is no exception, with growing awareness around workplace mental health challenges and the need for corporate responsibility in fostering a mentally healthy environment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately USD 1 trillion per year in lost productivity. Furthermore, nearly 15% of working adults worldwide report suffering from mental health issues such as burnout, depression, and anxiety. In India, a 2021 survey by LinkedIn found that nearly 80% of professionals reported increased stress over the past year, while 55% felt that their mental health had deteriorated due to work pressures. These statistics underline the urgent need to address mental health at work and emphasize the connection between employee well-being and mental health.

Mental Health and Workplace Wellbeing - It’s Relationship 

Workplace well-being encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological health. When employees feel supported, valued, and balanced, they are more likely to thrive both personally and professionally. In contrast, workplaces that do not prioritize employee well-being contribute to deteriorating mental health, resulting in decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and job dissatisfaction.

Research Insights:

A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that employees who feel valued are 60% more likely to stay in their current jobs.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, companies that invest in mental health programs see a 300% return in productivity and reduced turnover rates.

Workplace factors such as workload, work-life balance, job autonomy, interpersonal problems, and organizational culture play significant roles in shaping mental health outcomes. A high-pressure environment without proper support systems often leads to burnout, which can further result in chronic stress or depression.




How Workplace Wellbeing Factors Affect Employee Mental Health

Workplace wellbeing is not a standalone concept but is closely tied to mental health. Key factors such as leadership support, organizational culture, flexibility, and job demands affect how employees perceive their work environment and how it impacts their mental state.

  • Workload and Burnout: Excessive workload, unrealistic expectations, and constant pressure to perform can lead to burnout. A study by Gallup shows that 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes. Burnout affects employees’ emotional and physical well-being, and without intervention, it can result in long-term mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
  • Lack of Autonomy: Job control and autonomy are closely linked to mental health. When employees feel micromanaged or have little control over their work, they are more likely to experience anxiety and frustration. A study published in Occupational Medicine found that individuals with low job control had a twofold increase in the likelihood of developing mental health issues.
  • Poor Organizational Culture: A toxic workplace culture, marked by bullying, discrimination, or lack of support, exacerbates mental health struggles. A study by Mental Health America revealed that 40% of employees reported that their workplace culture contributed to mental health struggles.
  • Work-Life Imbalance: The inability to balance work and personal life can contribute to chronic stress. Employees who feel overworked and underappreciated are more likely to experience burnout, affecting their personal relationships and job satisfaction.
  • Job Security: Economic uncertainty or fear of job loss creates psychological stress. A survey conducted by the World Economic Forum during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that job insecurity was one of the leading causes of employee stress.

Mental Health Challenges Across Career Levels

Employees face distinct mental health challenges depending on their career stage and position within an organization:

  • Entry-Level Employees: At the start of their careers, employees often feel pressure to prove their worth, leading to imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, and burnout.
  • Mid-Level Managers: Mid-career employees often experience the stress of managing teams, meeting organizational goals, and balancing personal life with increased responsibility.
  • Senior Executives: Senior professionals face the challenge of leading organizations through uncertain times, making high-stakes decisions, and shouldering the burden of organizational success. These pressures can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services

Despite increasing awareness of mental health issues, several barriers prevent employees from accessing mental health services:

  • Stigma: Many employees fear that seeking help for mental health issues will label them as "weak" or incapable, discouraging them from seeking professional help.
  • Cost: Access to mental health services can be expensive, particularly in countries where mental health is not covered under general healthcare policies. This restricts employees from receiving proper care.
  • Lack of Awareness: Many employees are unaware of available mental health resources in their organizations or communities. Employers need to ensure their workforce is informed about mental health support programs.

Company’s Role in Employee Mental Health

Organizations play a pivotal role in ensuring their employees' mental health and overall well-being. Some ways companies can contribute include:

  • Mental Health Programs: Companies should implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer counselling and therapy services, stress and anger management workshops, de-addiction-related seminars, programs on work-life balance, and other mental health-related awareness programs. For example, Google offers extensive EAPs and has set the benchmark in corporate mental health.
  • Leadership Support: Leadership should be trained to identify signs of mental distress in their employees and provide support. Research shows that employees with supportive supervisors are 70% more likely to report high job satisfaction.
  • Workplace Flexibility: Offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and allowing employees to manage their schedules are essential steps to fostering mental well-being.
  • Fostering an Open Dialogue: Encouraging open conversations about mental health reduces stigma. For example, companies like Microsoft have established regular check-ins and mental health awareness sessions to destigmatize these conversations.

Conclusion

The link between mental health and workplace wellbeing is undeniable. Mental health challenges in the workplace affect employees’ productivity, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Companies must take responsibility by providing mental health resources, fostering a supportive culture, and ensuring employee well-being. Counselling and therapy through company-sponsored EAPs or external professionals can provide employees with coping strategies tailored to their unique circumstances. At the same time, employees can adopt coping mechanisms like mindfulness, physical activity, and professional personal therapy to maintain their mental health. Breaking the stigma around mental health and promoting open conversations in the workplace is crucial for creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Contributed by:  Mr. Utkarsh Yadav, Counselling Psychologist

References:

  • World Health Organization (2017). "Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates." World Health Organization.
  • LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index (2021). "Mental Health and Workforce Sentiment in India: Insights on Work Stress and Mental Wellbeing." LinkedIn.
  • American Psychological Association (APA) (2012). "Psychologically Healthy Workplaces: Employee Engagement and Wellness." Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 17(1), 1-9.
  • Global Wellness Institute (2020). "Mental Wellness: Pathways, Evidence, and Horizons." Global Wellness Institute.
  • Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). "Understanding the Burnout Experience: Recent Research and Its Implications for Psychiatry." World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111.
  • Attridge, M. (2019). "Employee Assistance Programs: Evidence and Current Trends." Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 34(1), 1-17.


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