Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace: Strategies for Improvement

Workplace mental health has become a key issue for many corporations and organizations in recent years. Mental health in the workplace has not been embraced out of beneficence (or not entirely), but rather because creating workplaces that support mental health can lead to greater retention rates, better productivity, and an overall more positive environment.

Understanding Mental Health Issues

An individual in good mental health has more to contribute than a person who is struggling to manage a mental health condition. And yet work-life balance issues can contribute to the development and exacerbation of certain disorders.

Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions

According to recent studies, mental health concerns affect two in five employees, leading to performance issues and stress. Almost half of adults experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a 25% increase in stress and anxiety-related disorders.

Common Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace

Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are common mental health disorders that can impact workplace productivity. These mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of position or seniority. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression is crucial for early intervention.

The Impact of Mental Health on Workplace Productivity

One of the common symptoms of many mental health disorders is lack of focus, and even when someone has the energy to show up to work when in poor health, their work may not be of the highest quality.

The Business Case for Prioritizing Mental Health

Poor mental health can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and high staff turnover rates. Numerous studies have suggested that investing in mental health can improve employee morale, engagement, and productivity. A mentally healthy workplace can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates, which saves money for a company.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues

Feeling stressed, irritable, or unappreciated, or lacking energy and motivation, can be signs of a mental health issue. Ignoring early signs of a problem won’t make it go away and can lead to worsening mental health issues, including burnout, damage to relationships and home life, and decreased job performance.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment

So, granting that promoting physical and mental health in the workplace is good for a company's bottom line, how can employers create a workplace that addresses mental health concerns?

Strategies for Employers to Promote Workplace Mental Health

Supporting mental health in the workplace does not have to be expensive or complicated. There are many simple strategies that will nurture a culture of mental health and well-being.

First and foremost, employers can prioritize positive mental health by creating a culture where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health issues.

The Role of Managers in Supporting Employee Mental Health and Well-Being

Managers play a crucial role in supporting employee mental health by promoting a positive work environment and encouraging open conversations.

Managers can help reduce stigma around mental health by leading by example and promoting mental health resources. They can also offer practical help, such as helping employees manage workloads and providing support when needed.

Supporting Employee Mental Health and Well-Being

Some of the most effective solutions for workplace mental health can be the simplest to implement. All it takes is providing some education to management and offering follow through.

Self-Care and Stress Management Techniques to Improve Workplace Mental Health

Practicing self-care and stress management techniques can help employees manage mental health challenges. Employers can provide specific resources and support for employees to prioritize self-care and stress management.

Self-care and stress management techniques can include mindfulness, meditation, and exercise.

Mental Health and Working from Home

Working from home can be isolating and stressful, but there are steps employees can take to protect their mental health.

Employers can provide resources and support for employees working from home, such as virtual mental health resources and regular check-ins.

Navigating Mental Health Conversations at Work

Now let's take a look at mental health at work from the opposite point of view: the worker facing a mental health challenge. It can be difficult to ask for any kind of help when experiencing a mental health condition, much less from an employer. Here's what you can do.

Talking to Your Employer About Mental Health Issues

Talking to your employer about mental health issues can be challenging, but it’s important to address the issue and seek support. Neglecting signs of a problem can only make things worse for yourself and your work performance.

Employees can prepare for conversations with their employer by focusing on work performance and offering concrete solutions. For example, if you have a long commute that you feel creates undue stress on your work and home life, discuss the mental health benefits of working a hybrid schedule. If you go to your employer with a problem and a potential solution, you may feel more confident in addressing the issue.

Creating a Mental Health-Friendly Workplace Culture

Employers can create a mental health-friendly workplace culture by promoting open conversations and reducing stigma around mental health, which can be one of the most important aspects of protecting workers mental health.

Employers can also provide resources and support for employees to prioritize mental health and well-being.

Resources and Next Steps

While workplace mental health can be an important issue to address, building a mentally healthy workplace isn't the work of an afternoon or even a month. However, by taking small, consistent steps toward prioritizing employee wellness, you can make a long-term impact on mental and physical health and support workers in a way that benefits productivity and financial success.

Additional Resources for Supporting Workplace Mental Health

Companies such as Unilever, Akamai, and Johnson & Johnson are investing in employee mental health and well-being. These companies are seeing positive results, including increased productivity and job satisfaction.

There are many resources available to support workplace mental health, including online resources and mental health professionals. Check out nonprofit and government websites such as the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the US Department of Labor, and Health and Human Services (HHS).

Addressing Workplace Mental Health in Brooklyn

Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is crucial for improving productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Mentally healthy workplaces are not always available, but even when you work somewhere that doesn't prioritize mental health care and well-being, you can still address these issues on your own.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level Brooklyn psychotherapists offers a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to talk therapy that offer the tools necessary for learning self-compassion, improving self-esteem, managing stress, and learning healthy coping skills to address any mental health care challenges that workers feel.

If you are experiencing mental health problems that stem from overwork or any other stressors in the workplace, call our service coordinator to be matched with a therapist that can offer ways to manage stress, boost mental health at work, treat symptoms of a mental disorder, and in general improve mental health and well-being.