Keeping our minds occupied with work and other duties is essential in improving mental health. Therefore, intrinsically, being at work should aid in enhancing our physiological and emotional well-being. However, we can all admit that our work doesn't always foster this kind of environment, with some being worse than others. Think back of a time where the culture in your office left you stressed and demoralized. Add that to stressful life circumstances like the loss of a family member or the division of debt in divorce. That comes to show that our work at some point will not foster a healthy state of mind.
A UN report under the World Health Organization boldly states that annually, the global economy loses $ 1 trillion due to unproductivity. Global statistics also show depression afflicts more than 300 million individuals and is the primary cause of disability. Many of the people within this demographic also display symptoms of anxiety. The reason for the diminished productivity is attributed to anxiety and depression.
Data indicates that the primary issues in the workplace are harassment and bullying (jointly knowns as mobbing), both of which adversely affect one's mental health. These results indicate that employers are not doing enough to foster a favorable work environment. The unfortunate consequence is that in not doing so, the company does not run at optimum and ultimately loses money.
What can employers do better?
The information sheet titled Mental Health in the Workplace shared in September 2017 does offer recommendations as to how to change the narrative. Below is a take on the list.
Understand where the problem is
There are three factors that, within the work environment, that can lead to diminished productivity. These are a person's competence, the resources available, and the leadership style adopted. When they are problematic, any person would have difficulty working at optimum. Other risk factors listed include insufficient health and safety policies, lack of empowerment in decision making, rigid working hours and lack of an overall vision. These factors make it difficult for anyone, pushing some to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms
Providing solutions
Though an employee can independently take it upon themselves to improve the office environment, the change needs to come from higher up. Government policies and strategies on the same should be strengthened. An ideal, as stipulated in the WHO report, involved a workplace that protects, promotes and addresses mental health through decreasing risk factors, making the job positive and empowering works, and lastly, addressing mental health issues despite their origin. In doing so, businesses increase productivity, leading to improved bottom lines.
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