Mental Health in the Workplace

It is common knowledge that the way a person feels is directly correlated to how they perform, thus the topic of mental health in the workplace. Despite this understanding, both individuals and organizations struggle to balance mission success with team members’ emotional well-being. So, what are the results of this? Poor emotional awareness often leads to low self-management, strained relationships, and reduced mental health.

The Widespread Impact of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health in the workplace affects both organizational health and the well-being of employees and their families. Research indicates that 1 in 5 adults will face workplace-related mental health issues each year. This means, in a company of 1,000 employees, 200 could face a mental health challenge each year.

Understanding the Causes:

If we are to reverse what these numbers look like, there must be a clear understanding of the causes of workplace mental health issues and education on how to effectively rebuild.

Workload

One main cause of mental health issues is taking on too much work. If this was a Thanksgiving meal, there wouldn’t be anything wrong with that. I mean, who doesn’t love an extra helping of pie? But the thing is, this isn’t Grandma’s specialty, and your work plate is already full.

The Dangers of Overcommitting

Let’s talk about the issues here. We accept more by saying yes when we should say no, we don’t ask for help, and we don’t know how to say, “I’ll take care of this in the morning”. This leads to overwork. Long hours might feel satisfying but can have hidden costs. Yet, not pausing often leads to burnout.

Lack of Control

Workplace freedom and flexibility are crucial for employee satisfaction and mental health. Lack of control over schedules or tasks often increases stress. For example, consider Emergency Room workers who face unpredictable challenges. We know they cannot prepare for every type of illness or injury, nor can they anticipate the volume of patients. Their mental health is influenced by their level of rest, preparedness, and overall mental state, which directly affects how they handle such unpredictable environments.

Work-Life Balance Challenges

Balancing personal responsibilities with work demands is essential. Often, people give the best of themselves to their jobs, leaving only residual energy for their families. While people might manage their emotions more effectively at work due to higher perceived stakes, it’s important to recognize that the long-term consequences at home can be equally significant.

Supporting a Healthy Work-Life Balance

An imbalance in home life can lead to negative spillover into the workplace and vice versa. To support a healthy work-life balance, employers can offer flexible working hours, remote work options, and ensure workloads are reasonable. This balance is essential for overall well-being and productivity. 

Recognition

When employees don’t feel recognized for their hard work, it can really take a toll on their mental health. Feeling like you’re invisible or that your efforts don’t matter can lead to disengagement and even resentment. This situation often contributes to stress and burnout, as employees might start to see their hard work as pointless.

Implementing Effective Recognition Programs

To turn this around, companies should consider setting up solid recognition programs that regularly acknowledge both the efforts and accomplishments of their team members. It’s also beneficial to create opportunities for employees to be heard, like through regular feedback sessions or town hall meetings. These steps can help employees feel valued and part of the team, boosting morale and overall job satisfaction.

Key Strategies to Apply 

These are just a few issues that affect mental health in the workplace but there is good news. Leveraging the power of emotional intelligence skills can help create a healthier, more productive, and more harmonious work environment.

Here are key strategies from “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” that can be applied to the workplace:

Check Yourself

• Your feelings can be a significant indicator of your internal state. Take time to regularly check in with yourself and ask, “Are the emotions I’m experiencing right now my own choice, a reaction to my mood, or simply my default response?” This self-reflection can help you understand how your emotions are influencing your behavior and decision-making.

Don’t Be Fooled by a Good Mood, Either

• Good moods, while positive, can sometimes cloud your judgment. It’s important to remain cautious even when you feel great, as this can lead to impulsive decisions. Keeping an eye on your mood helps maintain balanced decision-making.

Watch Yourself Like a Hawk…

• Try to develop an objective perspective on your own behavior, especially in the moment. Monitoring your emotions, thoughts, and actions as situations unfold can provide valuable insights into your habitual responses and help you manage them more effectively.

Bringing It All Together 

To wrap this up, we need to be reminded that tackling mental health in the workplace is really about paying attention to the little things that make a big difference. This includes managing workloads, giving people control over their schedules, balancing personal and professional life, and making sure everyone feels recognized. More importantly, this is about changing the dial and tuning into our emotions. When we make these strategies a part of our daily routine, we’re not just boosting our own well-being, but we are enhancing the entire organization’s atmosphere. 

By Dimyas Perdue, Director of Military Solutions for TalentSmartEQ

For more information, please check out our additional resources. For more strategies that can help you improve your leadership and organizational health, check out our training programs or contact us.