Mental health in the workplace: challenges and solutions for companies and workers

English version of L'importanza della salute mentale nell'ambiente di lavoro: la sfida è epocale - Il Fatto Quotidiano

Reading research and newspaper articles, it seems the Italian's working world is facing significant difficulties. While ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) data shows a rise in the number of employed workers, many are not doing well in their workplaces, which negatively impacts productivity and economic growth.

To the phenomenon known as the "Great Resignation" — where employees are quitting their jobs en masse — we must add "Quiet Quitting." This term refers to workers silently disengaging, doing only the bare minimum to avoid being fired and feeling completely detached from their companies' goals and values. The latest 2024 edition of a study by the American firm Gallup (State of the Global Workplace) reveals an even more alarming trend: workers who are actively sabotaging their companies.

According to the report, only 23% of employees are actively engaged in their work, while 62% are disengaged, and 15% are actively disengaged.

These numbers are staggering and also highlight a general discomfort among workers, who increasingly report experiencing stressful working conditions that negatively affect their performance and productivity. The data for Italy is even more concerning: the study suggests that 25% of workers are "actively disengaged," while 46% describe their work environment as stressful.

These figures underscore the importance of motivation, purpose, fair compensation, and a healthy work environment. It is crucial to focus more on mental health in the workplace and promote a healthier work atmosphere.

Some reasons for worker disengagement include a lack of recognition for their work, poor management relationships, a stressful and toxic work environment, limited career growth, and inadequate compensation.

Many large companies are trying to address these issues by conducting company climate surveys, offering corporate welfare packages to promote well-being, and training managers to foster a positive environment. However, Italy’s business fabric consists mainly of small and medium-sized enterprises, often family-run.

Due to their size and culture, these businesses struggle to meet the new challenges of ensuring a healthier work environment for employees. They often lack the managerial skills, culture, or financial resources to handle these problems, although there are some solutions that could be better utilized.

For example, labor contracts offer a system of bilateral welfare that is rarely used by small companies. This includes training, contributions, and subsidies that could complement or supplement costly corporate welfare policies. Contractual offerings like healthcare and supplemental pensions are often underutilized, especially by workers in small businesses. Through bilateral agreements, it’s also possible to access free training programs and acquire the necessary managerial skills to tackle the difficulties that both workers and companies are facing.

It’s also important to note that the judiciary has recently begun to address well-being in the workplace. In a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court (Cassazione) n. 15957, dated June 7, 2024, it was established that a stressful company climate gives the right to compensation even in the absence of mobbing. According to Article 2087 of the Civil Code, "The employer must adopt the necessary measures, based on the nature of the work, experience, and technology, to protect the physical and moral well-being of the employees." Similar rulings were made by the Civil Labor Section of the Supreme Court on January 19, 2024, n. 2084.

A healthy and positive work environment leads to more satisfied employees who are committed to the company's goals. It is essential for policymakers and social partners to recognize these needs and find solutions that address the challenges faced by small businesses, which are currently the least equipped to handle this monumental challenge. Many of these business owners trust their employer associations and, above all, their labor consultants, whose roles have evolved to assist companies in managing the complex situations they encounter.

Finally, creating a healthy and positive work environment also involves proper assessment of all workplace risks, including psychosocial risks, which are often underestimated in risk assessment documents and treated too simplistically. Once again, the importance of a collaborative effort between the key safety players (employer, workers' safety representative, prevention and protection officers, company doctor, and workers) is crucial.

Close collaboration between social partners, business owners, and labor consultants is essential to creating healthy and productive work environments. Only by working together can we tackle the challenges of the future, ensuring workers' well-being and companies' competitiveness.

Michele Tamburrelli

Graduated in labor law and industrial relations from the Faculty of Political Science in Milan, he has worked in this field since his early days in the union, teaching courses for union representatives and handling labor disputes, safety, and worker protection. He has operated in the tertiary, tourism, and services sectors. He is also passionate about training and has directed a recognized institution for several years.