“We are embedding health and well-being at the heart of our business strategy because our people are our greatest asset, and we recognize that a healthy, happy and committed workforce is vital to our business success" said Alex Gourlay, MD, Boots UK.
A person is said to be in a condition of mental well-being if they are aware of their own abilities, able to handle life's usual stressors, able to work productively and fruitfully, and able to give back to their community.
Our emotional, psychological, and social welfare are all parts of our mental health, and it has an impact on how we feel, think, and behave. It shouldn't be confused with mental disease and isn't a sign of fragility.
Mental health is frequently neglected at work. Even if someone is exhausted and needs a break, they don't take breaks too often since they feel that they are being unproductive at work. But they are unaware that a person's productivity declines when they are mentally unwell, and what's worse is that they are unable to concentrate on either their job or their personal lives. According to the estimates, sadness and anxiety, two of the most prevalent mental diseases, result in lost productivity that is predicted to cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion annually. So, make an effort to estimate the amount of lost labour. Therefore, wouldn't it be preferable to take a vacation from our constantly stressful schedule and give ourselves some time to unwind before returning to work with renewed vigour and enthusiasm?
Significance of mental health at workplace:
Why is maintaining one's mental health so crucial at work? Recent studies show that 42% of global employees have seen a drop in their mental health since the pandemic started. The pandemic has accelerated the work-from-home trend too much. Employee workload and screen time have both significantly grown as a result of this. An increase in anxiety, despair, and a loss of motivation and clarity are all associated with increased screen time. The demand for practicing mental wellness grows as a result. All chores must now be accomplished via electronic devices due to technological advancement, which makes individuals more worn out. Everyone wants to outdo the other in today's competitive culture, and as a result, they compromise their physical, mental, social, and emotional health in the process. People no longer have time to unwind because of the fierce rivalry they face as they strive to surpass one another. This necessitates a quick focus on mental health. Last but not least, even if you still believe that a job is more essential than health or anything else, keep in mind that working at the expense of your health could not have an immediate negative impact on you. However, its long-term effects could be quite severe and disastrous.
Causes of derailed mental well being among employees at workplace:
Let's investigate this further and determine the causes of workplace inefficiency, which contribute to employee tension and worry. Organisational problems, such as inefficient management and communication techniques, are the main cause. People at lower levels of management are unable to express their difficulties with those at higher levels and frequently experience burnout and worry at work as a result of poor communication and power imbalances. Employee anxiety and stress are also correlated with management and leadership techniques at work.A domineering leader who demands compliance from their team members while endangering their health will undoubtedly reduce both workplace productivity and the mental health of those who work there. On the other hand, a manager who sets an example and shares in the project's success with their team members is more likely to have a group of self-driven employees who are in good mental health. Employees at lower and middle levels are very infrequently offered the opportunity to take part in the organisation's overall decision-making process. It lessens the desire to take the lead and think beyond the box. This shall be replaced with a public forum where everyone can voice their thoughts and opinions. Another element that is rarely acknowledged but has the potential to harm the team's mental well-being is a lack of team cohesion. Additionally, if the team doesn't function as a unit, it may put an additional burden on each team member. Sexual or psychological harassment is another issue that is frequently observed in the workplace. Bullying someone in a group of people on any grounds makes them feel inferior and keeps them thinking negatively about themselves. When a person doesn't feel like they belong, they lose the mental joy that comes with belonging and begin to feel excluded and alienated.
Ways to fix mental health issues:
The third-largest concern in the most recent State of HR survey from HR Exchange Network was mental health and wellbeing (13%) behind the labour shortage (16%) and keeping talent (15 percent ). Let's look at solutions now that we've examined some of the underlying reasons for mental health issues at work. Ensuring the mental health of the workforce is essentially the duty of the human resource manager (HRM). According to some HR executives, businesses should treat employees like customers because we are in an "employee economy." To help employees who are experiencing mental health concerns, HR departments should first educate themselves and the workforce as a whole. The majority of the stigma around mental health is caused by misunderstandings, false depictions, and insufficient facts. People find it very difficult to ask for help because of this stigma. Therefore, it is important to make mental health straightforward and understandable so that people may properly disclose their difficulties and seek assistance. Another thing that specialists strongly suggest for conquering anxiety and despair is yoga and meditation. Recognizing employees' efforts and hard work is advised on the part of upper level managers. HR is establishing limits these days to create a better work-life balance. For instance, a business may establish guidelines for when to send emails, call staff members, or arrange meetings. Last but not the least, weekly free counselling sessions must be scheduled so that people can get professional advice. Even schools and colleges now provide these counselling sessions to assist pupils deal with worry and preserve their mental well being. It’s common in many large corporations as well.
Conclusion:
We all talk mostly about physical fitness, and mental health is frequently disregarded. But that is something we must constantly monitor. The overall quality of the work suffers as a result. A person who is mentally ill for any cause is undoubtedly not enjoying themselves at work or in the office. In other words, one of the most crucial components of success is mental health. Keep in mind that "wellness includes a sound mind, a peaceful spirit, and a healthy body." The journey to well being should be enjoyed.
By Bhumika Garg
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