Business owners must recognize the effects of workplace mental health issues. The workplace can be a stressful environment. It results in long hours and high demands that sometimes don’t allow for much leisure time.
This type of lifestyle might lead some people down the path toward mental health issues. Such as anxiety or depression. Which may only get worse if left unchecked by management within your company.
It’s more important than when you see something wrong happening at work. Like an employee threatening to harm themselves on-site—you take immediate action. So, they won’t harm themselves or others. While also giving them support through this difficult period in their life.
Common Workplace Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues in the workplace, like any other illness, are nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s examine some effects of workplace mental health and well-being problems.
01. Disgruntled Workforce
The disgruntled workforce is a huge issue in today’s society. A disgruntled workforce is when a lot of the workers are not happy with the situation. For example, if they don’t get enough money, or they have to work too hard, then they become disgruntled.
At a tipping point, workplace mental health and wellbeing issues result in good workers leaving.
An employer may have to deal with disgruntled employees. An employee with a mental illness is more likely to have a dissatisfied demeanor. This behavior will not only affect their performance. But also others around them.
With people quitting their jobs to improve their mental wellness. It has become difficult to fill positions. Or keep them filled with qualified applicants. Ones that will take on mental health risks for relatively low pay. When compared to other opportunities available out there right now.
A workplace that does not promote good wellness programs, and practices can lead to a dissatisfied workforce. If a company does not care about its employees and how they feel, then it will lead to disharmony.
02. Lack of Productivity
When we are healthy, our productivity increases. Some small businesses do not focus on developing a workplace mental health strategy. This results in employees not feeling motivated to work. Which will eventually lead to lower production levels for businesses. As well as depressed and less creative workers.
A lack of productivity at work can have many negative consequences. Ranging from lost revenue to decreased employee morale.
Many people struggle with an inherent inability to focus or stay motivated. Which can cause them to procrastinate on critical projects or make careless mistakes.
Management must combat these issues and help increase workplace productivity. They can decide on the best workplace mental health initiatives.
03. Employee’s Poor Attitude
As the saying goes, “attitude is everything.” In the workplace, this could not be more true. A positive attitude can make all the difference in productivity. It can improve mindfulness, boost morale and create a positive company culture.
A negative attitude can quickly lead to problems. An employee with a poor attitude may be resistant to change and other opinions. They may be difficult to work with, and uncooperative. This can create an unpleasant work environment and make it difficult to get things done.
A bad attitude can be contagious, spreading negativity throughout the workplace. If left unchecked, it can even lead to high turnover rates as employees look for greener pastures.
Employers need to address employees with poor attitudes early on. By taking decisive action, they can help to turn things around. Creating a more positive work environment for everyone.
Poor attitudes among colleagues lead to conflicts. Which could cause serious problems for everyone involved in an organization if left unchecked. This is a significant barrier to the employee’s ability to focus on their work.
04. Staff Absenteeism
There’s a certain buzz that goes along with being at work, even if it is just sitting in the same room as other employees. But what about when you have an illness or injury? Such as employee absenteeism because of mental health issues.
A workplace that does not have in place methods to promote mental health stability may cause an employee not to want to come to work. If the employees want the job but do not want to come to work to do the job, they may call in sick. Mental health breakdowns may cause staff to take extensive sick days.
A staff missing several days can be detrimental to your company’s bottom line. Staff absenteeism has devastating effects on both customers’ perceptions. While also hurts morale among coworkers. It decreases productivity as coworkers rely on each other’s help during busy periods.
Hence, some companies allow short-term absenteeism by allowing employees days off. Employees suffering from mental health problems may take sick days off. The mentally unhealthy staff may need a day off to rejuvenate their minds. Or they may need to seek professional health.
05. Employee Quit
For example, think of a scenario such as:
A company has recently experienced high turnover rates. With many employees quitting over the past year. It’s not clear what is causing this sudden influx of people leaving their jobs. But it seems like something that the company needs to address. HR wonders what are the current trends in mental health and wellness at work.
So, the company starts a project and brings in experts to assess the situation. They hire professionals and psychological experts. They study the company’s approach to workplace mental health.
The project uncovered the reason behind employees’ decision to quit their job. It was because they were struggling with mental illness at work.
Mental health issues are a leading cause of employee turnover. Employees quit because of a toxic work environment and bad management practices. The company cannot handle staff health and safety, and if the employees are tired of it, they will leave.
Why Understanding Mental Health In The Workplace Is Important?
The importance of mental health in the workplace is only now being understood. Many companies experienced the effects of employees’ psychological distress at work. It affects employees’ productivity and quality of life.
One reason for low workplace productivity may be unnecessary distractions. Common distractions in the office can take workers away from the task at hand. Resulting in significant amounts of wasted time.
How Do Mental Health Issues Impact A Company Financially?
Employers and employees need to understand how mental health impacts the company financially. Mental health issues can have a huge impact on business profits.
With financial consequences ranging from reduced productivity and bad attitudes toward staff. As staff morale decreases, they become less committed. This results in the loss of customers and business opportunities.
Closing: How Can You Encourage Mental Health In The Workplace?
Experts suggest that the company set up an integrated approach to workplace mental health. Addressing the problem through training programs and better management practices. This would benefit both parties involved – employees and the company.
Workplace mental health issues are no laughing matter. High turnover of employees is a big concern for business owners. The cost of employee turnover can reduce the entity’s profit potential.
To combat this issue, put in place health promotion programs and activities. So people don’t feel like they’re sacrificing their wellness for work.
Companies can implement strategies that promote goal setting and focus. Such as providing employees with structured work schedules. Setting up work and mental health breaks.
Also, offering incentives for meeting deadlines. By taking such measures, organizations can help their employees be more productive. They will also see greater success when coping with workplace mental health issues.
