The Importance Of Strategizing For A Mental Health Friendly Workplace

Every individual wants a career opportunity that pays well, values their strengths, and above all, is good for their long-term mental health! Mental health is one of the most ignored, understated, and yet, most important aspects of work life.

Two-hundred-and-sixty-four million people across the world deal with depression every day. Common reasons include workplace harassment, bullying, prejudice, overworking, and stress.

Let’s see why championing mental health at the workplace is important, and what employers can do about it:

Mental health and productivity—what’s the link?

Mental health also has a physical impact! In fact, around 80% of adults who deal with depression and anxiety find it hard to take part in work-related and social activities! This is because their depressive symptoms make it hard for them to stay focused and productive, resulting in low participation levels in key managerial decisions, reduced support for employees, and a lack of team cohesion.

By ignoring the need to support mental health, companies harm their own business in the long run. As per a study by the World Health Organization, every one USD invested in the betterment of mental disorders result in improved productivity worth four USD! The total loss of productivity in economic terms amounts to US $1 trillion per year.

What can companies do?

There are several ways companies and recruiters can make work a less stressful and anxious experience for employees.

Reduce workload:

It’s important that workplaces realize employees’ potential and limits, and don’t push them to do what they’re not capable of. As per a study, around three-quarters of workers said that they want their employers to value mental health more than equality and diversity. Don’t make your employees spend more time at the workplace than they’re paid for. Moreover, make sure you’re checking up on them to make sure they’re not overworked.

Focus on the positive aspects of the job:

Your employees will be less stressed out if their job is meaningful and purposeful. Give them all the encouragement, resources, and autonomy they need to love their work. Give them support and independence and make them feel like their contribution, strengths, and hard work are valued. The support should be verbal, emotional, and monetary. When employees truly love what they do, they’ll be happier at work!

Jobslog helps employees connect with job opportunities that suit their credentials the best. Visit our online job portal and post your resume!

Sources:

https://www.techtarget.com/searchhrsoftware/tip/Top-5-components-of-a-workplace-mental-health-strategy

https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/creating-a-workplace-mental-health-strategy-from-start-to-impact/