Mental health is a crucial aspect in every workplace - and in life in general - and thankfully over the past several years there has also been a growing focus on this aspect. However, mental health and wellbeing is not something that can be taken for granted, and it is crucial to both the quality of life of each individual and the performance of the company. Therefore, it is no longer enough to ensure that employees are simply present at work — it is important that they thrive and feel good mentally.
It is a recognition that our well-being is not just limited to physical factors, but also includes our mental state. While our society has historically been focused on physical health, as mentioned over the past several years, there has been an increasing focus on mental health and well-being, and so in this blog post we will try to shed light on why it is so important, what signs to look for and how as a company you can strengthen mental health in the workplace.
The importance of mental health in the workplace
In the workplace, mental health plays a critical role in the well-being of employees and the overall performance of the company. The most important thing, of course, is the well-being of the employee, but as a company it is also a really bad business if you are not able to support the mental health of your employees.
Poor mental health can have serious consequences. Stress, anxiety and depression can lead to poorer performance, an increased failure rate, just as it can be a source of conflict in the workplace. If the employee ends up with a sick note against the background of poor mental health, it not only affects him personally, but also has a significant impact on the company.
Sick leave due to mental health issues results in lost productivity, extra workload for colleagues and can even incur costs for recruiting and training temporary workers. At the same time, it can create a negative spiral in which the remaining employees also experience increasing stress levels as a result of increased work pressure and insecurity. It is therefore crucial for workplaces to take care of employees' mental health to avoid these negative consequences.
Conversely, people who experience good mental health in the workplace are more engaged, productive and satisfied with their jobs. They are better able to cope with stress and pressure, resulting in lower sickness absence and increased stability. In addition, employees with good mental health often contribute innovative ideas and solutions that can promote the growth and competitiveness of the company.
It is therefore incredibly crucial for companies to prioritise mental health. Companies that invest in creating a supportive and healthy work environment will not only see benefits for their employees, but also see an improvement in their overall performance and competitiveness over the long term.
Learn more: A Guide to Better Workplace Well-Being
Signs of poor mental health among colleagues
In any workplace, collaboration and community are important. But sometimes it can be hard to tell when a colleague is struggling with poor mental health. However, it is crucial to be aware of the signs, as it can have a significant impact on both the life of the colleague and the overall well-being of the workplace.
In this section we will explore some of the signs you need to be aware of when it comes to poor mental health among colleagues. By recognizing these signs, you can help create a supportive environment and offer help when needed.
It is important to emphasize that no person is the same, and therefore the characters can also be very different. So this should definitely not be seen as an exhaustive list, but rather a marker to help you identify potential signs of poor mental health in your colleagues.
If necessary, read about Strength-based leadership here.
- Changes in behavior: Sudden changes in behavior can be a sign that a coworker is pressured or stressed. Changes may include irritation, nervousness, or a tendency to withdraw from colleagues and social activities.
- Frequent absences: Repeated no-shows from work for no apparent reason can be caused by mental health issues. Colleagues struggling with their mental health may need breaks to deal with stress or anxiety.
- Decreased productivity: A colleague who is normally productive may experience a noticeable decline in their work performance. This may be due, among other things, to difficulty concentrating, completing tasks or a lack of interest in work.
- Social withdrawal: A coworker who usually participates in social activities, lunch breaks, or team meetings may begin to withdraw and avoid interaction with others.
- Lack of interest in work: A colleague who has been previously engaged in their work may suddenly lose interest, commitment and motivation.
Everyone reacts differently to stress, anxiety and other mental challenges, and it's important to keep in mind that these signs don't necessarily mean a person has problems with their mental health. It is therefore crucial to be patient, listening and supportive if you notice any of these signs, and offer your help and support if needed.
How to Improve Mental Health as a Business
If you'd like to strengthen mental health in your workplace, we've put together a range of advice to help you initiate positive change.
- Create a culture of openness: The first step to strengthening mental health is to create a culture where employees feel comfortable talking openly about their mental health. Management can initiate the dialogue and encourage employees to share their experiences and challenges.
Read more: How to create psychological security at work - Flexible working hours and workload: Consider offering flexible working hours and opportunities to adjust workloads so employees can find a better work-life balance. This can help reduce stress levels.
Learn more: Find the balance between flexibility, productivity and connectedness in hybrid collaboration - Regular feedback and recognition: Provide employees with regular feedback on their work and recognize their achievements. This can increase their job satisfaction and self-esteem.
Learn more: How to Create Learning Through Feedback and Dialogue - Workflows and procedures: Review workflows and procedures to ensure they do not unnecessarily increase stress levels. Ensure that employees have the necessary time and resources to do their job efficiently.
- Regular 1-on-1s: These meetings foster open and honest communication, creating a space where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Through these meetings, managers and employees can also identify early signs of stress or overload. It allows adjustments to be made and solutions found in time to prevent stress levels from escalating.
- Evaluate and adapt: Regularly evaluate the company's mental health initiatives to ensure they are effective and adapt them as needed.
Strengthening mental health in the workplace is an investment in both the well-being of employees and the future success of the company. By creating a culture of openness, offering flexibility, providing regular feedback, and implementing healthy work practices, companies can help reduce stress, increase employee satisfaction, and foster a stronger workforce. It's not only the right thing to do, it's also an investment that pays off in terms of increased productivity and engagement.
