Mental wellbeing in the workplace has become the need of the hour in the service sector of the Indian economy. The working environment of a corporation plays a huge role in shaping the overall personality of its employees. A mentally fit workplace has the potential to create a healthy environment for members.

The effectiveness of a working culture can be measured through its employees’ mental health condition. In a study, the World Health Organization found that 1 in 6 adults worldwide experiences a mental health condition each year. Most of them are employees working in a corporation. In addition, the report found that the global economic cost of mental health conditions is estimated to be $1 trillion per year.

Mental health problems can have a significant impact on employee productivity, morale, and overall well-being. It was found that employees with depression are more likely to miss work and have lower job satisfaction than employees without depression and are more likely to leave their jobs.

It is important to create a healthy workplace environment that supports mental health is essential for both employees and employers. There are various workplace mental health programs available that can be helpful in boosting the overall productivity of employees and making them mentally stronger.

Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health is important in the workplace for a number of reasons. First, it impacts employee productivity. Employees who are struggling with mental health problems are more likely to take sick days, be less engaged in their work, and have difficulty concentrating. Second, gloomy mental health impacts employee morale. Employees who are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed are less likely to be happy and satisfied with their jobs. Third, mental health can impact employee turnover.

Employees who are struggling with mental health problems are more likely to leave their jobs. The employer has to make sure that his employees do not fall into these categories and ensure Mental wellbeing in the workplace to maintain a positive environment in the workplace.

Impact of Mental Health Problems on the Workplace

Mental health problems can have a significant impact on the workplace, causing a decline in productivity and overall employee welfare. Conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can result in reduced concentration, higher absenteeism, and strained interpersonal relationships among co-workers. It is important to address these challenges to create a supportive work environment. Employers can implement mental health initiatives, offer resources, and foster open dialogues to mitigate these effects. Workplace mental health programs are the best and most effective way to cope with the overall mental and emotional concerns of employees in a holistic manner. Prioritizing mental well-being not only enhances individual resilience but also contributes to a more positive and effective workplace atmosphere. It is the need of a mentally struggling person to seek professional help for mental health problems to know the root cause of his problem.

Mental health problems can have a significant financial impact on businesses. The cost of mental health problems includes the cost of lost productivity, absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover.

The Cost of Lost Productivity: Lost productivity is the cost of work that is not completed due to mental health problems. This can include the cost of missed deadlines, errors, and reduced output.

 The Cost of Absenteeism: Absenteeism is the cost of work that is not done because employees are taking sick days due to mental health problems. It can affect the overall productivity of a corporation as the absenteeism of an employee will overburden other employees with the work of absent employees.

 The Cost of Turnover: Turnover is the cost of replacing employees who leave their jobs due to mental health problems. The cost of turnover includes the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees.

Benefits of a Healthy Workplace Environment for Mental Health

There are several ways to help your mental health condition. A healthy workplace environment can benefit both employees and employers in a number of ways, including:

• Increased employee productivity and engagement: Employees who feel supported and valued by their employers are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. It can also reduce the gap between employees and employers. They can have some healthy discussions related to mental health within the organization.
• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism: Employees with good mental health are less likely to take sick days and more likely to be present and productive at work. A 2022 study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that employees with depression miss an average of 23.7 workdays per year due to depression, compared to 5.6 workdays for employees without depression.
• Improved employee retention: Employees who feel happy and supported at work are more likely to stay with the company. It improves the goodwill of the company along with the consistency in the working culture.
• Reduced healthcare costs: Employers can save money on healthcare costs by investing in workplace mental health programs. It will give them a holistic package to take care of each and every employee in a personal capacity through various features you can get in a workplace mental health program.
• Improved employer reputation: Companies that are seen as supporting employee mental health are more likely to attract and retain top talent. It will also help in improving the overall reputation of the company both online and offline.

Ways to Create a Healthy Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace for Employees

National Alliance on Mental Illness conducted research in 2022 and found that 91% of employees say that their workplace culture is important to their mental health. Another study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 85% of employers offer Employee Wellbeing Programs to their employees.

There are a number of things that employers can do to create a healthy workplace environment for mental health:

• Set realistic expectations and deadlines: Employers should set realistic expectations and deadlines for employees to help reduce stress and burnout. It will also help in reducing the burden of work for them so that they can work with utmost productivity. It is one of the sure-shot ways to help your mental health and your employees as well.

• Encourage healthy habits: Employers can encourage employees to adopt healthy habits, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. These habits can help to improve mental health and overall well-being.
• Promote social connection: Employers can promote social connection among employees by organizing social events and team-building activities. Social connection is important for mental health and can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Provide training on mental health: Employers should provide training on mental health for both employees and managers. This training can help employees to understand mental health and reduce stigma. It can also teach managers how to recognize and support employees who may be struggling with mental health problems.
• Professional help: Seeking professional help for mental health is the best way to take care of employees and their wellbeing. A professional counselor or therapist can advise in the right way to cope with any problem that a person might be struggling with.

How Employees Can Contribute to a Healthy Workplace Environment for Mental Health

Employees can also play a role in creating a healthy workplace environment for mental health by:

• Talking about mental health: Employees can talk about mental health in the workplace to help reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help if they need it. This can help to create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.
• Supporting their colleagues: Employees can support their colleagues who may be struggling with mental health problems by being understanding and supportive. They can also offer to help them find resources or connect them with a mental health professional.
• Taking care of their own mental health: Employees should take care of their own mental health by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques. It is also important to take breaks and time for oneself.

These are some ways to help your mental health if you are an employee. Sometimes, taking tool of your own mental health is important to keep a positive mindset and productivity.

Conclusion

Imagine a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. Where employees are encouraged to take care of their mental health, and where there is no stigma associated with seeking help. This is the kind of workplace that can be created with an employee wellbeing program, inclusive of professional help for mental health programs. An employee wellbeing program is an investment in your employees and your business. It is a way to show your employees that you care about their well-being and that you are committed to creating a positive work environment.

Mental wellbeing in the workplace is an important yet underrated topic that needs to be addressed. It is important for a business to implement an employee wellbeing program, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are also many different types of programs available, so you can choose one that best meets the needs of your employees and your business. Take the first step today towards creating a healthier and happier workplace for your employees.