Mental health: the new workforce crisis

The mental health of employees should be a priority in all workplaces. The well-being of an employee has a direct impact on their productivity and, therefore, company performance. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety costs the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

Symptoms of mental illness can include changes in mood, personality, personal habits, work ethic and motivation, and social withdrawal. Although these changes can be glaringly obvious, more commonly they are subtle and go largely unnoticed by others. It’s an invisible disability that doesn’t discriminate: it crosses the divides of age, gender, race and socio-economic status, and has a significant impact on those who are affected. A 2022 study, conducted by the University of Witwatersrand, suggests that at least one in four South Africans suffer from depression.

Mental health disorders are treatable. Although there are myriad factors that impact mental health, a number of these are found within organisations and have a direct impact on employee mental health. These include job satisfaction, company culture and work-life balance, to name a few.

By instilling a positive corporate culture – one that encourages communication, balance and wellness – you can play an active role in improving employee mental health. In the long run, this will also improve employee retention, productivity and company profits. In fact, the WHO has found that for every $1 spent on treating common mental health concerns, there is a $4 return in improved health and productivity.

Let’s talk about it?

A critical step to treating mental health issues is raising awareness and opening the door (and keeping it open!) to conversations around mental health. This not only helps individuals recognise the signs in themselves and others, but also reduces the stigma attached to mental health challenges, which means affected individuals are more likely to seek the help they need. Action points include:?

• Including mental health support in the employee benefits package. Examples of this include free counselling support or a monthly ‘mental health’ day.?
• Setting up regular, company-wide, training on all things mental health related – and making attendance a mandatory requirement.?
• Ensuring managers are adequately trained not only to identify signs of emotional stress, but also to respond in a supportive way. Managers are key to ensuring company policies are implemented successfully. All managers should have regular check-ins with their direct reports, and encourage them to discuss mental health.
• Keeping the conversation top of mind through constant, open dialogue via corporate communications: remind employees of their benefits, support systems, signs and symptoms, and offer tips for prioritising wellness.

The importance of unplugging?

It’s no secret that we’re plugged in 24/7 – and it’s hardly surprising that this directly impacts mental health. Encourage your employees to step away from their devices, notifications and communication barrage and take some much-needed ‘me’ time. This can look like:?

• Actively promoting in-company wellness. Introduce quiet spaces, meditation sessions or device-free lunch walks.
• Leading from the front: it’s all very well to encourage an employee to step away from their device to take part in an easy yoga session in the boardroom,? but if the boss is still working, they may think twice about taking the time out. Ensure you’re taking time ‘off’ for yourself, too.?
• Encouraging employees to actively log off after hours and insist on ‘email-free’ evenings.?
• Encouraging employees to take all their due leave days.?

A word on flexibility?

Don’t underestimate the power of flexibility. If anything, the pandemic has shown the corporate world that flexibility does work. Offer your employees flexibility in a way that works for your business. Research shows that employee autonomy directly increases performance and motivation, which, ultimately, impacts the company’s bottom line.

To learn more about how we can support the mental health of you and your employees, email [email protected], call (+27) 86 123 4123 to speak to one of our business development managers, or visit our website.