Every year, on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is celebrated, marking a key date to raise awareness about the importance of emotional well-being in all areas of life. In 2024, the theme focuses on a critical aspect affecting millions of people daily: mental health in the workplace. This focus highlights the need to create work environments that protect and promote mental well-being and invites us to reflect on how our working conditions impact our emotional and psychological lives.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK AND MENTAL HEALTH
It is evident that working conditions significantly influence employees’ mental health. A positive work environment can be a protective factor, providing stability, purpose, and a sense of personal achievement. However, when the workplace is negative, characterized by high-stress levels, harassment, or discrimination, the impact on mental health can be devastating. Employees may experience anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout, which not only affect their personal lives but also their productivity and performance at work.
It is estimated that approximately 12 billion workdays are lost each year due to mental disorders, resulting in significant economic and social costs. Therefore, organizations have a key responsibility: they must ensure an environment that not only promotes performance but also cares for the psychological well-being of their employees.
PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS IN THE WORKPLACE
Among the risks affecting mental health at work are job insecurity, lack of control over tasks, and low pay. These factors, along with others like workplace bullying and discrimination, can elevate stress levels and contribute to the development of mental health issues. Thus, employers and employees must collaborate to create healthier and safer spaces.
Moreover, mental health and work are intrinsically linked. Poor working conditions, such as excessive hours or lack of emotional support at work, affect not only the individual but also the team and the company as a whole. In this context, mental health should not be seen solely as an individual responsibility but as a collective commitment.
HOW TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
To improve mental health in the work environment, it is crucial to adopt concrete measures that reduce psychosocial risks. Some recommended actions include implementing wellness programs, promoting an inclusive organizational culture, and encouraging open communication between employees and supervisors.
A key aspect of combating mental health issues at work is eliminating stigma. In many workplaces, discussing emotional problems remains a taboo, preventing individuals from seeking the help they need. By creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their issues, this stigma is reduced, and a culture of support is fostered.
STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
To enhance well-being in the workplace, companies must implement measures that address both preventive mental health and supportive mental health. This can include creating wellness programs, encouraging workplace flexibility, and training managers to recognize signs of emotional issues in their teams.
Some measures suggested by experts include:
Reasonable workplace adjustments
From flexible hours to the option to work remotely or take more frequent breaks, these changes can make a difference for employees facing mental health challenges.
Psychological support
Regular support meetings, access to mental health resources, and the availability of counseling services can help reduce work-related stress.
Leader training
Managers need to receive training on how to manage stress in their teams and create a more inclusive and healthy work environment.
URGENT MEASURES TO PROTECT MENTAL HEALTH
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of applying evidence-based approaches to improve employees’ mental health. This includes training supervisors to identify early signs of mental health issues, offering psychological support programs, and ensuring that all employees have access to adequate resources to care for their emotional well-being.
Given that 60% of the global population is employed, employers must take action to prevent the deterioration of mental health at work. These actions not only improve employees’ lives but also increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and decrease staff turnover.
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2024
World Mental Health Day 2024 reminds us that work should not be a source of distress or prolonged stress. Rather, the workplace can and should be a space that fosters mental health, allowing employees to thrive both professionally and personally. Creating healthy work environments is a commitment that benefits everyone: individuals, companies, and society as a whole.
By addressing the challenges of mental health in the workplace, we take an essential step toward building a more balanced and healthy future for all.