Motivational Monday October 14, 2019

Motivational Monday

Mental health in the workplace

Key facts

• Work is good for mental health but a negative working environment can lead to physical and mental health problems.
• Depression and anxiety have a significant economic impact; the estimated cost to the global economy is US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
• Harassment and bullying at work are commonly reported problems, and can have a substantial adverse impact on mental health.
• There are many effective actions that organizations can take to promote mental health in the workplace; such actions may also benefit productivity.
• For every US$ 1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of US$ 4 in improved health and productivity.

Overview

Globally, an estimated 264 million people suffer from depression, one of the leading causes of disability, with many of these people also suffering from symptoms of anxiety. A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Unemployment is a well-recognized risk factor for mental health problems, while returning to, or getting work is protective. A negative working environment may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity. Workplaces that promote mental health and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and benefit from associated economic gains.

 Work-related risk factors for health

There are many risk factors for mental health that may be present in the working environment. Most risks relate to interactions between type of work, the organizational and managerial environment, the skills and competencies of employees, and the support available for employees to carry out their work.

Risks to mental health include:

• Inadequate health and safety policies;
• Poor communication and management practices;
• Limited participation in decision-making or low control over one’s area of work;
• Low levels of support for employees;
• Inflexible working hours; and
• Unclear tasks or organizational objectives.

 Creating a healthy workplace

A healthy workplace can be described as one where workers and managers actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety and well-being of all employees.

Protect mental health by reducing work–related risk factors.

• Promote mental health by developing the positive aspects of work and the strengths of employees.
• Awareness of the workplace environment and how it can be adapted to promote better mental health for different employees.
• Learning from the motivations of organizational leaders and employees who have taken action.
• Understanding the opportunities and needs of individual employees, in helping to develop better policies for workplace mental health.
• Awareness of sources of support and where people can find help.

Mental health interventions should be delivered as part of an integrated health and well-being strategy that covers prevention, early identification, support and rehabilitation. Key to success is involving staff at all levels when providing protection, promotion and support interventions and when monitoring their effectiveness.

 

Fall Favorites

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip – Recipe supplied by Renee England, Office Supervisor, Cardinal Stadium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful week!

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