Today, Thursday, the world celebrates World Mental Health Day, with the slogan “Mental Health in the Workplace,” under the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay.
The World Health Organization says that safe and healthy work environments can provide a protective factor for mental health. On the other hand, unhealthy conditions, which include stigma, discrimination, exposure to risks such as harassment, and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks that affect mental health and overall quality of life and thus affect participation or productivity at work.
Since 60% of the world’s population is working, it is necessary to take urgent measures to create a work environment that ensures the prevention of the risks of mental health disorders and the protection and support of mental health at work.
How do you support your mental health at work?
- Learn techniques for dealing with psychological stress
- Pay attention to changes in your mental health
- Seek support from a trusted friend, family member, colleague, supervisor or health professional
How do you deal with psychological stress?
- Limit the time you spend in front of screens
- Connect with family and friends
- Don’t overburden yourself at work
- Make time for yourself
- Follow a balanced diet and drink sufficient amounts of fluids
- Get physical activity
- Get plenty of sleep
The World Health Organization emphasizes the following messages:
- Promotes a work environment that supports mental health and provides motivation and stability. Otherwise, poor working conditions can harm mental health, reducing job satisfaction and productivity.
- Workers are exposed to various risks that affect their psychological health, such as discrimination, poor working conditions, or limited independence. Workers in low-paid or insecure jobs are often more vulnerable to psychosocial risks due to a lack of adequate protection measures.
- Without support, mental health disorders can undermine self-confidence, reduce enjoyment of the job, and limit the ability to work. This affects not only the individuals concerned but also their families and caregivers.
- Poor mental health reduces performance, increases absenteeism, and encourages employee turnover. Globally, depression and anxiety result in approximately 12 billion lost workdays each year, with significant social and economic costs.
- Stigma and discrimination prevent people with mental health disorders from seeking help or maintaining employment. Employers can overcome these barriers by providing training, awareness, and networking with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges.
- Employers should make reasonable accommodations for employees with mental health disorders, such as flexible work hours, regular support meetings, and medication storage. These arrangements help workers continue to produce and participate.
- Employers should provide training to managers to recognize and address workplace stress. Well-trained managers can effectively support their teams and promote a healthier, more supportive work environment.
- Governments, employers and representative organizations should collaborate to develop policies that prevent mental health risks and promote well-being, and create supportive workplaces where mental health is a priority.
- Although governments and employers have the primary responsibility for protecting and promoting mental health in the workplace, you can take steps to support your well-being. Learn stress management techniques and pay attention to changes in your mental health. If necessary, reach out for support from a trusted friend, family member, colleague, supervisor or health professional.
The organization says that deteriorating work environments, including those characterized by discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, weak participation in work-related decisions and lack of job security, all pose a threat to mental health.
It is estimated that 15% of working-age adults suffered from a psychological disorder in 2019.
Globally, approximately 12 billion workdays are lost each year due to depression and anxiety, costing the economy US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
There are effective measures to prevent mental health risks at work, protect and promote mental health, and support workers who suffer from mental health conditions.
How does work support mental health?
Decent work supports good mental health by enabling:
- A source of livelihood.
- A sense of confidence, clarity of purpose, and the ability to achieve.
- An opportunity to establish positive relationships and integrate into society.
- Practicing organized routine activities.
What are the risks to mental health in the workplace?
Underutilization of skills or not having sufficient skills for work
- Excessive workload or pace, and staff shortages.
- Working long hours or at unusual or inflexible times.
- Lack of control over job design or workload.
- Unsafe or deteriorating physical working conditions.
- The existence of a culture that perpetuates negative behaviors in the organization.
- Limited support from colleagues or bullying supervisors.
- Violence, harassment or bullying.
- Discrimination and exclusion.
- Lack of clarity of job role.
- Incomplete or excessive promotion.
- Lack of job security, inadequate pay, or poor investment in career development.
- Conflict between home or work demands.