Many people live with mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression. Some may not recognize they have a mental health problem. Taking care of your mental health is crucial to living the lifestyle you want, including achieving career goals. Employers and employees need to work together to address mental health issues in the workplace.
It may reduce healthcare costs for both parties while improving emotional and physical wellness that can benefit the workplace and beyond. Here are a few things to know when understanding the connection between the workplace and your mental health.
Mental Health of Employees Can Affect the Business
When a person has mental health issues, it affects all areas of their life, including at work. People dealing with mental health issues such as depression or stress may not perform well on the job. They may not engage socially with coworkers as often. They may feel disconnected from their work and experience difficulty concentrating on physically complete tasks part of their daily responsibilities.
Specific mental health issues like depression could increase the risk of someone becoming disabled or unable to work. Many with mental health concerns such as depression may not seek treatment when they don’t realize they should get help. Employees feeling stress or depressed may get the impression their employer doesn’t care about their health. For some, it leads to feeling as if their employer does not value them.
Employers are Encouraged to Do More to Promote Mental Health Awareness
Business owners are encouraged to learn ways to promote good mental health in the workplace. More companies are providing support for employees with mental health initiatives that include psychological and physical interventions. Mental health experts feel the workplace setting is ideal for creating a positive place for health culture to thrive. Depending on the company’s size and benefits, programs and policies are designed to reinforce and track health behaviors.
Employees may earn incentives for following through with health protocols. Employers may provide various options as part of a mental health initiative program, including self-assessments, free screenings, and reduced cost or free counseling. Additional options include life coaching services or providing resource materials that discuss mental health concerns and ways to take action. Some companies host seminars through self-management programs providing tips and advice on meditation, mindfulness, stress management, motivation, and how to improve work performance.
Ways to Manage Mental Health in the Workplace
Managing mental health in the workplace includes making a team effort from different perspectives. Many strategies for managing mental health in the workplace come from many sources. Besides the employer and employee relationship as top contributing factors, other sources, including health care providers, public health researchers, community leaders, business leaders, and government agencies, all play essential roles in implementing the right mental health management strategies for the workplace.
Employees can ask about mental health initiatives provided by their employer. Ask about sponsored programs that promote emotional wellness. Consider engaging in planning and training opportunities in the workplace to encourage other coworkers. Learn about mental health and ways to reduce the associated stigma. Offer or create a peer support group. Consider using online help options for mental health like BetterHelp for therapy and personal support.
Aside from taking advantage of what your employer offers, learn about community resources for mental health and ways to manage stress outside of your work. Take care of yourself daily by getting a restful night of sleep, eating healthy, regular exercise, and adopting healthy habits to promote a better lifestyle. Set wellness goals for yourself and look into managing and prioritizing your time and energy.
Author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
