Mental health in the workplace: Impact of job stress on well-being and productivity

Work shapes our identities, offering more than financial survival by providing social interaction, personal growth, and a sense of purpose, but it can also be a source of stress impacting physical and mental health.

Work plays a central role in shaping our identities, whether at home or outside. It's more than just a means of financial survival as work offers social interaction, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.

However, the workplace can also become a source of stress, affecting both physical and mental health. Creating a positive and supportive work environment, therefore, becomes crucial not only for productivity but also for overall well-being.

THE ROLE OF WORK IN SHAPING IDENTITY

A positive working atmosphere can add meaning, structure and purpose to one’s life providing a sense of identity, bolstering confidence and offer a social outlet.

However, the inverse is also true - a toxic workplace characterised by long hours, excessive workloads, poor support systems, and even harassment can lead to significant mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Unsafe physical conditions and equipment further compound this stress.

Such environments don't just take a toll on mental well-being but can also result in serious physical health issues, especially heart-related problems. For employers and employees alike, understanding this connection between workplace stress and overall health is crucial.

SEEK HELP

The global impact of mental health issues in the workplace is staggering. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 12 billion workdays are lost every year due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy around $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and reduced staff turnover.

A recent tragic case of a 26-year-old chartered accountant in Pune, who succumbed to workplace stress, highlights the dangerous reality many professionals face today.

This tragic incident, coupled with the theme of this year's World Mental Health Day, Mental Health at Work”, points to the urgency of addressing these issues.

While everyone faces bad days at work, mostly because of stress, anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion, when these symptoms become chronic (persistent), it signals a deeper issue.

Persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or burnout should be taken seriously. Mental health issues manifest differently in different individuals, and what may start as occasional low moods can escalate into severe conditions, if left unaddressed.

HOW TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE?

Promoting mental health in the workplace involves raising awareness, building skills, and creating opportunities to recognise and prevent mental health issues before they become severe.

Simple steps such as talking openly about feelings, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, fostering positive relationships, and taking regular breaks can go a long way in maintaining mental well-being.

Encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and providing constructive feedback are also essential to fostering a positive work culture.

In addition to self-care strategies, seeking professional help is essential when personal measures are not enough to alleviate the mental strain.

One key point that employees and employers must embrace is the acceptance of failure and the importance of focusing on self-assets rather than limitations.

This creates a more resilient and self-aware workforce. Providing access to mental health resources at work, such as counseling services, wellness programs, and mental health awareness initiatives, can make a significant difference in preventing burnout and other mental health issues.