The Happy Company #6: Mental Health at Work

Let's Talk Mental Health at Work

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you may have noticed already: It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. So this round, we're diving into that crucial topic: mental health at work. Because let's face it, the daily grind can leave you feeling as drained as yesterday's coffee.

The Stats Don’t Lie:

• A staggering 15% working adults estimated to have a mental disorder. ^(WHO)

• Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity. ^(WHO)

• Women in full-time employment are nearly 2x as likely to have a common mental health problem as full-time employed men (19.8% vs 10.9%) ^{(Mental Health Foundation)}

• 70% of managers believe there are ‘structural’ barriers to providing mental wellbeing support for their reports. ^(Spill)

_{WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work
Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/mental-health-work-statistics
Spill: https://www.spill.chat/mental-health-statistics/workplace-mental-health-statistics}

Work: A Balancing Act:

A positive work environment can be a real source of joy and fulfillment. It can boost your confidence, give you a sense of purpose, and even foster valuable friendships. High fives all around! However, a toxic workplace with negativity and pressure can have a major negative impact on your mental health. Let's create positive work environments where everyone thrives.

Signs Your Job is Taking a Toll:

• Feeling constantly stressed or anxious?

• Struggling to focus and stay motivated?

• Feeling like your work-life balance is a broken record on repeat?

These could be indicators that it's time to prioritize your mental well-being.

Taking Action for Your Well-being:

Here are some essential tips to keep your mental health lit:

• Boundaries Matter: Set clear lines between work and personal life. Don't be afraid to switch off after hours and enjoy your free time! No shame in a bit of loud leaving.

• Talk it Out: Don't bottle up your feelings. Confide in a trusted colleague, therapist, or friend. Talking can be incredibly helpful.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make sleep, healthy eating, and activities you enjoy a priority. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

Leaders Take Note!

You have the power to create a culture of well-being in your team:

• Open Communication is Key: Foster a safe space where your team feels comfortable talking about mental health challenges. It's okay not to be okay.

• Offer Support: Provide resources and support for mental health. This could be access to employee assistance programs or mental health awareness workshops.

• Be Flexible and Understanding: Life throws curveballs sometimes. Be flexible and understanding when needed.

A happy and healthy you is a more productive you. Let's all work together to create positive and supportive workplaces!

See you in the next one!

Cheers,

Roel