According to a survey entitled ‘Mental Health and Wellness Quotient @Workplace 2023’ by MPower, an initiative of The Aditya Birla Education Trust, it was reported that about 48% of corporate professionals today are struggling with mental health issues.
One of the lesser-known outcomes of COVID 19 was the overall increase in everyone’s stress levels. With its inherent uncertainty and destructive nature, the pandemic resulted in people having to face their innermost fears and anxieties. For working professionals, redundancy became a reality as companies started layoffs and productivity began to be measured daily. Working from home, with its own set of complications, became the new normal. The resultant insecurity, fear and social isolation started affecting people’s mental health, gradually emerging as a major health related concern and finally drew significant attention around the world. It was therefore, during the pandemic that many employees and organizations first started talking about the importance of mental wellness. Until then, people, either unaware of this condition or fearful of being stigmatized kept their mental illnesses concealed and suffered in silence.
Over the last few years, mental health has gained quite a lot of attention within the corporate sector, as organisations functioning across sectors have noticed the overwhelming impact of a mentally stressed workforce. According to a survey entitled ‘Mental Health and Wellness Quotient @Workplace 2023’ by MPower, an initiative of The Aditya Birla Education Trust, it was reported that about 48% of corporate professionals today are struggling with mental health issues. It also revealed that women employees were more vulnerable to mental health related problems as compared to their male colleagues. This obviously necessitates actions to mitigate the situation and harness the true potential of human resources.
Challenges faced by employees in an organisation
Employees in organisations often face a number of mental health challenges that significantly impact their well-being and overall job performance. One of the most prominent issues is work-life imbalance, which causes heightened stress and anxiety levels. As the boundary between work and personal life blurs, employees grapple with the pressure.
Moreover, the rise of remote work has brought about its own set of challenges, including feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many employees struggle with the absence of social interaction and the camaraderie found in a traditional office setting. The resulting loneliness can also have a detrimental impact on their mental health.
Most critically, the stigma surrounding mental health issues continues to persist in many workplaces. This prevents employees from seeking the help they need. This also results in underperformance and miscommunications across departments within an organisation.
What needs to be done
Employees spend a significant portion of their time at their workplaces, which makes the role of workplaces more critical in ensuring the physical and mental well-being of employees. There are several actionable steps they can take to create a more supportive and healthier workplace. One key strategy is the implementation of comprehensive mental health programs. These programs can encompass various initiatives, including employee assistance programs, counselling, workshops, and mental health awareness campaigns.
Factors like job insecurity, an excessive workload, and a lack of support can create an environment fraught with stress and anxiety. Organisations should address these factors through clear communication and by providing job security wherever possible. Similarly, ensuring a reasonable work-life balance can help mitigate the risk of burnout.
Moreover, encouraging open communication and normalising discussions about mental health is another vital step. When employees feel comfortable discussing their mental well-being, it reduces the stigma surrounding mental health issues and fosters a more inclusive workplace culture. Employers must organise regular check-ins and mental health seminars where employees can share their experiences and concerns without fear of being judged.
Importantly, employers should continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their mental health initiatives and policies. Regular assessments and feedback from employees help refine and tailor these programs to better meet the specific needs of the workforce.
Benefits of prioritising mental health
The benefits of prioritising mental health within an organisation extend beyond the individual employee to positively impact the entire company. One of the foremost advantages is the significant boost in employee productivity, engagement, and focus. Mentally fit employees are more likely to perform at their best, resulting in improved overall team performance.
Moreover, the emphasis on mental health leads to improved employee retention and job satisfaction. Employees who feel that their well-being is a genuine concern of their employer are more likely to stay with the company long-term. Lower attrition rates reduce recruitment and training costs while preserving institutional knowledge.
Head of People and Culture,
Hero Vired
Most importantly, prioritising mental health enhances a company’s reputation and attracts top talent in the job market. This commitment to mental health not only differentiates the company from its peers but also positions it as an employer of choice.
Conclusion
To stay ahead of the curve in this highly competitive business ecosystem, harnessing the true potential of human resources is inevitable for organisations. For this, employees’ physical and mental wellbeing is critical. Organisations must augment their efforts towards identifying health issues and offering all support to employees. They must communicate with employees, educate them, and create special programs to deal with mental anxieties at the workplace.
