Factors that Contribute to Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
There are a number of factors that can contribute to mental health issues in the workplace. These include:
- Stressful working conditions: Working long hours, tight deadlines, and high levels of responsibility can all lead to stress.
- Poor communication: If there is a lack of communication between employees and management, it can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety.
- Lack of support: A lack of support from colleagues or superiors can make it difficult to cope with the demands of the job.
- Bullying: Unfortunately, bullying is still a problem in many workplaces. This can include things like verbal abuse, intimidation, and social exclusion.
- Job insecurity: The fear of losing one’s job can be a major source of stress.
- Poor work/life balance: When work demands start to take over our personal lives, it can lead to a range of mental and physical health problems.
Impact of Mental Health Issues
What is less well known, however, is the impact that mental health can have on the workplace. Mental health problems can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism (when employees are physically present but not working to their full potential), and increased accidents and errors. All of these can have a significant impact on a business, both in terms of productivity and bottom line.
Absenteeism
Employees who are dealing with mental health issues are more likely to take time off work. This can result in lost productivity and increased costs for the company. Absenteeism is estimated to cost businesses of up to $10.9 billion per year. “Calling in sick” is often used as a cover for mental health issues, as many people feel too ashamed or embarrassed to admit that they are struggling.
Presenteeism
Mental health problems can also lead to presenteeism, which is when employees are physically present but not working to their full potential. This can be due to a number of factors, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety. Presenteeism is estimated to cost businesses $15.1 billion per year.
Accidents and Errors
Mental health problems can also lead to an increase in accidents and errors. This is often due to a lack of concentration or focus, as well as anxiety and stress.
Productivity
When employees are struggling with their mental health, it can lead to reduced productivity. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on the bottom line. In fact, it is estimated that they cost the Australian economy $17.5 billion each year in lost productivity.
Mental Health in the Workplace
The mental health of employees is important not only for the productivity of the business but also for the safety of the workplace. Mental health problems can lead to a number of workplace accidents and injuries, as well as an increased risk of violence.
Workplace Accidents
Mental health problems can lead to a decrease in concentration and focus, which can increase the risk of workplace accidents.
Workplace Injuries
Mental health problems can also lead to an increase in workplace injuries. This is often due to a lack of focus and concentration, as well as anxiety and stress.
Violence
Mental health problems can also lead to an increased risk of violence in the workplace. This is often due to a lack of impulse control, as well as anxiety and stress.
Psychological Injuries
Mental health problems can also lead to psychological injuries, such as anxiety and depression. These injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to work and function in everyday life. Often mental health issues in the workplace are a direct health and safety issues or cause a workplace health and safety issue.
Building Mental Strength at Work
There are a number of things that can be done to build mental strength in the workplace.
- Promote a healthy work/life balance: Employees should be encouraged to take breaks when they need them and to use their vacation days.
- Encourage open communication: Employees should feel comfortable talking to their supervisors about their mental health.
- Provide support: There should be a system in place to provide support for employees who are struggling with their mental health. This could include employee assistance programs, counseling, and psychiatric services.
- Educate employees: Employees should be educated about mental health and how it can impact their work.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, these are some general tips that can help to promote mental health in the workplace.
First Aid for Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and just like with physical health, first aid should be administered in the event of a mental health crisis. First aid for mental health can be used to help prevent further injury or damage, and can also provide support until professional help can be obtained.
If you are to provide support you could :
- Listen to them without judgement
- Reassure them they are not alone
- Help them to find professional help
- Encourage them to take care of their physical health
If you are worried about someone, the best thing to do is to talk to them. This can be a difficult conversation, but it is important to remember that you are not responsible for fixing their problem, you are just there to support them. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are a number of resources available to help.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Headspace: 1800 650 890
There are a number of signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Some of these include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Having suicidal thoughts or ideations
- Experiencing severe mood swings or intense emotions
- Feeling disconnected from reality or unable to think clearly
If you notice that someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to provide them with support. This could involve talking to them calmly and reassuringly, listening without judging, and providing practical assistance if needed. You can also refer them to appropriate resources, such as mental health clinics or crisis lines.
Mental health is an important topic for the workplace. Not only can mental health problems lead to decreased productivity and increased risk of accidents, but they can also lead to psychological injuries. There are a number of things that employers can do to promote mental health in the workplace, such as providing support and education for employees. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, seek help and support from one of the various resources available such as those listed in this article.
(Originally published on www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au – republished here with permission.)
If you or your practice team are looking to equip yourselves with the skills to provide effective mental health support, contact our team at Crampton Consulting Group to discuss our Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health in the Workplace training options. Our training will ensure that you have the skills to confidently respond to mental health crises, offering essential support until professional help can be secured.
