2024-03-26 08:04:10
According to a WHO report, the most common mental health problems are anxiety disorders and mood disorders. Depression is the most common mental illness in Spain, with almost 3 million people diagnosed. In the business environment, focusing on mental health and ensuring the emotional well-being of employees by creating a healthier and more aware work environment is not only a benefit for people but is a strategic investment that has an impact on the organization.
Awareness regarding mental health and the need to care for it and make it visible are key issues in all aspects of our reality. The workplace is echoing this and more and more companies are prioritizing the mental well-being of their workers, implementing measures that improve employee conditions and promote a healthy, open and also productive work environment.
Companies must take care of the mental health of their workers by taking measures to improve the well-being of the people who are part of their teams. This will help not only create a healthy and pleasant work environment, but also exponentially improve the productivity of the company and its workers. “The well-being of the teams and their performance are highly related to each other, so we must facilitate an inclusive, responsible and serene work environment,” he says. Christine Loos, general director of Stimulus. But, for this to happen, proactive strategies must be adopted that help build a favorable climate.
The impact on productivity
Mental health has a significant impact on work productivity. When employees experience mental health issues, it can impact their performance and well-being at work. A study of Deloittefor example, revealed that organizations that prioritize mental health and establish concrete initiatives to protect and promote it, obtain an ROI six times greater compared to those that do not.
During situations of uncertainty or abrupt changes, such as the current global situation, psychosocial risk factors, such as anxiety, social distancing and prolonged confinement, can affect work teams. What measures can organizations take? Stimulus, a firm specialized in mental health at work, presents six mental health care measures that affect productivity.
Actuation levers
- Openness and communication. It is essential to create a work environment that encourages openness and transparent communication between workers and senior management, with the aim of destigmatizing mental health and the problems that it can cause in both the work and personal spheres.
- Encourage flexibility. A balance between work and personal life should be sought, encouraging flexible work policies, which reduces stress and increases team productivity.
- Common purpose. Creating a strong team committed to the company is essential for a healthy and open work environment. Establishing a common purpose will help foster collaboration and participation. Recognizing people’s work will improve the emotional well-being and productivity of the company.
- Resources and support. Although open communication and a healthy work environment are essential, access to resources and emotional support services must also be provided to care for the mental health of the team. Companies should offer their employees counseling programs, therapy, and support hotlines. All this under policies that guarantee the confidentiality of the employee seeking treatment or help.
- Awareness and training. Education and awareness within the team on mental health issues is essential. Training a company’s senior management will help prevent, identify and address stress in their teams effectively. Training programs should also be offered for the team, with the aim of raising awareness regarding mental health and managing stress and other challenges that may arise in the workplace.
- Measurement and monitoring. It is not enough to simply implement mental health programs and policies; they must also be evaluated regularly to ensure that they are effective and meet the needs of employees.
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