Did you know that one in four Americans identify work as a source of anxiety? Or that depressed employees lose an average of 27 workdays per year? And here’s another alarming statistic: depression costs employers more than any other health condition. These figures are a stark reminder of the profound impact mental health issues can have on workplace productivity and overall well-being. It’s essential for employers who care about productivity and reducing sickness-related absenteeism to actively address mental health at work.
Just like an employee with a physical illness, an individual dealing with mental health challenges should be encouraged to seek professional help and take necessary time off to recover. Unfortunately, the reality is often quite different for employees with mental health issues. At best, there’s a lack of understanding; at worst, there’s stigma or shame associated with seeking help. However, attitudes are gradually shifting, influenced by public figures such as Bruce Springsteen, who candidly opened up about his ongoing battle with depression, and Princes William and Harry, who disclosed their struggles with anxiety following the tragic death of their mother.
If discussing mental health at work feels uncomfortable, this article is for you. We will explore some of the key issues and suggest practical steps employers can take to begin addressing this important topic.
The Importance of Mental Health at Work
As mentioned, protecting and promoting the mental health of employees is not only an ethical obligation for employers, but also a pragmatic business decision. The hidden costs related to low productivity and absenteeism can be staggering, and employers must take action to reduce these negative impacts.
A recent study by the London School of Economics revealed that depression alone is costing the US economy more than $91 billion annually in lost productivity. Additionally, depression-related presenteeism (when employees attend work while unwell) costs businesses another $84.7 billion each year. These figures highlight the significant impact mental health has on organizations. And that’s just scratching the surface. When you consider other common mental health conditions like anxiety, the costs increase dramatically. Moreover, for employees dealing with more complex conditions such as eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, the costs can be even higher.
Addressing mental health at work is not just about reducing costs—it’s about creating a healthier and more engaged workforce. Employers who prioritize mental health see improvements in overall productivity, employee satisfaction, and retention. Implementing mental health initiatives can create a supportive, inclusive workplace culture where employees feel empowered to seek help and thrive.
What Can Employers Do In Response?
Don’t Sweep It Under The Carpet
One of the most important steps employers can take is to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness. By encouraging open dialogue about mental health, companies can foster a mental-health-friendly workplace, where employees feel more comfortable discussing their struggles without fear of judgment. A culture of acceptance and openness can lead to fewer employees expending energy trying to hide their symptoms, which in turn can reduce workplace anxiety and stress.
Line managers play a crucial role in creating this environment. How employees feel about themselves and their workplace is often directly related to how they are treated by their managers and leaders. For many employees, a negative, abusive, or disorganized manager can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. On the other hand, a supportive manager who values team members can help employees navigate workplace challenges, including mental health issues. Therefore, empowering managers with the right tools, knowledge, and understanding of mental health is essential for fostering a positive workplace culture.
Encourage A Healthy Work-Life Balance
With the rise of smartphones and tablets, it has become increasingly difficult for employees to “switch off” from work. Constant email notifications and the ability to check work messages outside of office hours can lead to mental fatigue and burnout. While technology has brought greater flexibility and new ways of working, employers must set reasonable boundaries and expectations for out-of-hours communication.
Employers might consider implementing guidelines to limit work-related emails after hours or encourage employees to disconnect by switching off their phones once they leave the office. Additionally, actively discouraging staff from working late or taking work home on weekends can help prevent burnout. Managers and executives must model the right behavior by setting clear boundaries themselves. Achieving the right work-life balance is essential for the well-being of all employees, and it should begin at the leadership level.
Promote Employee Health and Well-Being
Promoting employee health is not only beneficial for individuals but also has a strong economic basis. Healthy employees are more likely to be happier, more productive, and take fewer sick days. This applies to both physical health and mental health. Employers have a vested interest in promoting good health within the workplace to enhance productivity and reduce absenteeism.
There are many ways employers can actively promote health and well-being, including:
- Providing health resources and educational materials about mental and physical wellness
- Facilitating lunchtime walking or running groups to encourage physical activity
- Launching healthy eating campaigns, such as offering nutritious snacks in the office or partnering with a food delivery service focused on healthy options
Such initiatives not only improve employee well-being but also create a culture of health and support within the organization. Encouraging regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, and mental health awareness can go a long way in creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.
Utilize Your Intranet to Support Mental Health at Work
When it comes to managing mental health at work and promoting overall employee wellness, your intranet can be an invaluable tool. With all employees having easy access, the intranet serves as the ideal platform for sharing information and reinforcing positive key messages related to mental health and employee well-being. Below are some practical ways in which an intranet can support your organization’s mental health initiatives.
- Provide Managers with Resources and Tools
Managers need the right resources to handle mental health issues effectively. Use your intranet to offer online roadmaps, toolkits, and step-by-step processes for identifying, addressing, and managing employee mental health. Partner with organizations like the Center for Workplace Mental Health and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America to provide reliable, accessible content. Make it easy for managers to access these valuable resources directly through your intranet, using features like iframes or widgets. - Develop a Wellness Portal
Creating a wellness portal on your intranet can provide employees with easy access to information, mental health resources, quizzes, and surveys. A self-service platform empowers employees to seek help and learn more about managing their mental health. In addition to physical wellness offerings, like free eye tests or ergonomic assessments, consider integrating mental health support services, such as access to counselors or mental health professionals, directly on the intranet. This makes support easily accessible for those who need it most. - Keep Employees Informed During Change
Workplace transitions—such as restructuring or major company changes—can exacerbate anxiety and stress for employees, particularly those already struggling with mental health challenges. Your intranet can be a vital tool for ensuring that all employees are kept informed with timely updates about changes happening within the organization. Whether it’s company news, team announcements, or direct communication from leadership, using the intranet to keep employees in the loop helps alleviate uncertainty and reduce stress. - Encourage Employee Connections with a Social Intranet
Dealing with mental health challenges can be isolating, and a lack of connection with colleagues can contribute to workplace stress. A social intranet can foster connections by allowing employees to interact with one another in a more casual and supportive environment. Features like user profiles, activity walls, and messaging options can help employees connect on a personal level, promoting a friendlier and more inclusive workplace culture.
These are just a few ways that an intranet can play a pivotal role in supporting the management of mental health in the workplace. The key takeaway is that inaction is not an option. All organizations must carefully consider how they can address mental health issues and take proactive steps. Utilizing your intranet is an affordable and practical starting point for implementing a comprehensive mental health support program.
Get in touch with the expert team at MyHub to learn more about how an intranet can enhance your company’s mental health initiatives.
FAQ Section
Why is mental health important at work?
Mental health directly impacts employee productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. Addressing mental health at work helps reduce absenteeism, improve performance, and foster a supportive environment.
How can employers support mental health in the workplace?
Employers can support mental health by encouraging open discussions, promoting work-life balance, providing mental health resources, and training managers to handle mental health issues with care and understanding.
What are the benefits of promoting employee wellness?
Promoting wellness leads to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, enhanced job satisfaction, and higher employee retention. A mentally healthy workforce is more engaged and better able to perform their roles.
