World Mental Health Day: How work-related risk factors impact mental health

Hyderabad: In today's fast-paced world, the significance of mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated.

On World Mental Health Day, revisiting the issue of supporting mental health at work has evolved from a "nice-to-have" into an absolute necessity.

“It's about creating wellness solutions that empower employees to thrive, and it's a two-way street where both employers and employees play a pivotal role,” said Hyderabad-based independent Psychologist Dr. Mamta Jain.

Here is what she told NewsMeter about the importance of respecting Mental Health at work.

The Changing Landscape of Workplace Mental Health

Positive mental health is not just desirable, it's imperative. It equips individuals with the resilience to cope with life's challenges, whether at work or home. In the workplace, positive mental health fosters agility in the face of change, helps manage stress, and enables employees to flourish in their roles. It's the cornerstone for individuals to achieve their highest potential.

Creating a safe and non-discriminatory space for employees to communicate openly about their mental health is paramount. This inclusivity is not only about empathy; it's about tapping into valuable feedback that can help organizations retain their most precious resource: their talent.

Work-Related Risk Factors and Mental Health

Work-related risk factors can significantly impact mental health. Several factors contribute to this:

1. Inadequate Health and Safety Policies: A workplace's health and safety policies play a pivotal role in safeguarding employees' well-being. These policies encompass issues from day-to-day health concerns to ensuring safe working conditions. Neglecting health and safety policies can lead to decreased employee mental health, higher turnover, legal repercussions, and diminished profitability.

2. Poor Communication and Management Practices: Effective communication and management practices are hallmarks of a healthy manager-employee relationship. Conversely, poor communication and practices strain this relationship, negatively impacting mental health and increasing workplace stress.

3. Low Levels of Support for Employees: Managers who fail to assist employees in overcoming obstacles or sharing resources can leave them feeling overwhelmed and demotivated. This lack of support affects mental health and hampers productivity.

4. Performance Pressure: Unrealistic expectations of peak performance create undue stress, longer work hours, and emotional exhaustion.

5. Job Insecurity: The fear of job loss, exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, poses a significant threat to mental well-being.

The Impact of Poor Mental Health on Job Performance

Individuals' mental health profoundly influences their job performance. Positive mental health fuels adaptability, flexibility, and resilience, enabling employees to face challenges effectively. However, poor mental health can have severe consequences:

1. Lack of Engagement: Poor mental health leads to demotivation and lack of focus, hindering engagement and productivity.

2. Reduced Productivity: Mental health issues can reduce job performance, making it challenging to access the behavioral skills needed for creativity and resilience.

3. Physical and Cognitive Impairment: Poor mental health affects daily living and physical capability, leading to social anxiety, cognitive impairments, and reduced working memory.

4. Misaligned Communication: Emotional distress impairs communication, leading to misinterpretations, passive-aggressive behavior, and negative attitudes.

5. Poor Decision-Making: Mental health issues can lead to impulsivity, unhealthy thoughts, and poor decision-making, resulting in missed meetings, lateness, and non-compliance with company policies.

Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace

Promoting mental well-being at work is a shared responsibility between employers and employees.

Dr. Priya Sharma, Clinical Psychologist at Clear Water, Hyderabad said "Open discussions about mental health at work create a supportive culture that benefits everyone. It's time to break the silence."

Dr. Rajan Verma, Workplace Wellness Consultant at Deloitte Hyderabad said “Investing in employee mental health is an investment in your company's success. Healthy employees are productive employees."

Here are proactive strategies for both:

As an employer:

1. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offer EAPs for broader mental health and clinical services.

2. Relaxation Spaces: Create quiet spaces for relaxation and destressing, encouraging employees to take breaks.

3. Mental Health Self-Assessment Tools: Provide tools for self-assessment, helping employees explore mental health concerns.

4. Clinical Screenings for Depression: Offer clinical screenings and referrals when necessary.

5. Mental Well-Being Coaches: Provide coaching services to help employees navigate challenges.

6. Health Insurance with Mental Health Benefits: Ensure mental health coverage with low or no out-of-pocket costs.

As an employee:

1. Participate in Employer Programs: Engage in employer-sponsored programs and activities that promote mental well-being.

2. Open Dialogue: Contribute to reducing the stigma around mental health by sharing experiences with colleagues.

3. Practice Coping Skills: Develop coping skills during the workday, including deep breathing and positive self-talk.

4. Self-Care: Utilize lunch breaks for self-care activities like meditation, nature walks, or podcasts.

5. Physical Health: Prioritize physical health through diet, exercise, and adequate sleep.

6. Nurture Relationships: Foster social connections at work to combat social isolation and loneliness.

The Bottom Line

“Prioritizing mental health in the workplace isn't just about being compassionate; it's a strategic imperative. Poor mental health can lead to disengagement, high turnover, and diminished productivity, impacting an organization's bottom line” says Dr. Jain.

“On World Mental Health Day, it's essential for both employers and employees to recognize the value of mental well-being, creating an environment where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally” she added.