Around the world, an estimated 264 million people suffer from depression/mental health issues, which is one of the primary causes of disability, with many of these individuals also experiencing anxiety symptoms. According to a recent study led by WHO, depressive disorders cost the world economy US$ 1 trillion in lost productivity each year.
Unemployment increases your risk of developing mental stability problems, but returning to work can help. A toxic workplace can result in health concerns, hazardous drug or alcohol usage, and absenteeism. Mentally healthy organisations are more likely to minimise absenteeism, enhance productivity, and profit from these increases in absenteeism, productivity, and profitability. The following essay will discuss all facets of workplace mental health.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines mental disorders as
“health problems characterized by changes in emotions, thinking, or behaviour” (or their combination). Mental diseases are accompanied by stress or difficulties with societal, occupational, and familial activities.”
1. While work is beneficial for mental health, toxic working conditions can result in health disorders.
2. Anxiety and depression have a huge financial impact; the world economy is expected to lose US$ 1 trillion in output each year as a result of decreased work.
3. Workplace bullying and harassment are frequently reported concerns that can have a significant severe negative consequence.
Creating Healthy Workplace
A critical component of attaining a healthy workplace is the establishment of legislation, initiatives, and policies. A healthy workplace is one in which employees and management actively participate in the working environment by encouraging and safeguarding employees’ wellness, security, and well-being. According to a 2014 scholarly research, interventions should adopt a three-pronged approach:
1. Preserve mental health by minimizing risks associated with the job.
2. Promote mental illness by focusing on the positive types of employment and employee strengths.
3. Tackle mental health issues regardless of their cause.
World Economic Forum guide emphasizes actions firms can take to establish a better workplace, including the following:
- Increased awareness of the office environment and how it may be altered to encourage improved mental health for various employees. Gaining insight into the motivations of organizational leaders and active personnel.
- Avoid recreating the cycle by keeping an eye on what previous corporations have acted have done.
- Recognize the possibilities and needs of employees in order to contribute to the development of more effective workplace mental health policies.
- Awareness of available resources and where individuals can seek assistance.
Work Stress
Research has shown correlations connecting psychosocial workplace circumstances and the health of employees. Work stress predicts an increased risk of common mental disorders. Many studies show that working conditions affect employee mental health, however, it is important to remember the reverse possibility, i.e. mental illness affecting the evaluation of workplace conditions, can also occur.
Many more job stressors have proven to impact mental illness. Rising unemployment, workplace bullying, lack of motivation, organizational inequity, and work and time imbalance. Work stress has been linked to anxiety, stress, mental illnesses, alcoholism, suicide, and other mental health outcomes. Preventing or lowering occupational pressures and increasing the mental standard of work could thereby prevent many prevalent mental health issues.
- Business and Their Employees Are Affected by Mental Health Issues
- Stress and mental illness problems can have a negative effect on an employee’s job efficiency and results.
- Commitment to one’s work.
- Interpersonal communication with colleagues.
- Physical capacity and ability to function on daily basis.
- Only 57% of employees with mild depression and 40% of employees with severe depression obtain treatment to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Healthcare Practitioners can:
- Inquire about any depression or anxiety that patients may be experiencing and suggest testing, therapy, and other services as needed.
- Provide complete, quality care by including counsellors, social workers, physiotherapists, case managers, and other associated health experts as members of the primary treatment team.
Researchers in Healthcare Can
- In order to assist in the creation, implementation, and assessment of worksite wellness programs that deal with mental illness and stress difficulties, it is necessary to create a “how-to” guide.
- Improve the recognition program for employees who exhibit fact gains in measurements of mental health, as well as demonstrable benefits in business performance.
- In collaboration with business schools, develop training programs that will teach executives how to create and maintain a psychologically healthy workplace.
- In order to lower hazards in an indirect manner, community members and businesses can Support programs that increase access to housing and forms of physical activity.
The federal and state governments have the authority to
1. Help those people maintain their psychological health and well-being, seminars, guidance, and decision-making skills.
2. Gather information on the health and well-being of employees, and perform prevention and scientific engineering to inform ongoing public health advances.
3. Encourage the use of initiatives to reach people who live in underprivileged areas.
Employees can
1. Encourage companies to provide mental illness and stress and coping courses and programs.
2. Participate in programs and activities offered by their employers to gain new skills and receive the assistance they need to enhance their mental well-being.
4. Disseminate the narrative of an individual when it is acceptable to do so in order to help reduce prejudice.
5. Try to be as open-minded as possible because when it comes to your colleagues’ experiences and sentiments. Respond empathically, offer mental health support, and support others to seek professional assistance.
6. Engage in practices that help you manage stress and maintain good mental health.
7. Consume nutritious, well-balanced meals, engage in regular physical activity and sleep for 7 to 8 hours per night.
