Why Is Mental Health in the Workplace Important?
First of all, mental health, in general, is extremely important and something that should be prioritized. And considering that the average employee spends ⅓ of their life working, it’s safe to say that your mental health does have some kind of impact on your work.
Your employees bring their whole selves to work each day, and what goes on in their lives outside your company walls can affect them while they’re inside your walls. An argument with a spouse, a sick child, financial issues—all of these can take a toll on an employee’s mental health and negatively impact their judgment, attitude, and actions while at work.
Everyone at your company should be aware of the importance of mental health in the workplace. Human Resource teams can’t bear that burden alone either. Improving mental health in the workplace is something everyone can have a hand in.
How Does Mental Health Impact Work?
Employees who are distracted by mental health concerns can not only become unproductive, but can also contribute to safety issues and injury, among other things. Here’s the big picture look at how mental health impacts work:
Retention
Employees with access to mental health benefits may be less likely to leave your company. Just like comparing pay, schedules, and health benefits, an employee who’s happy with the mental health benefits they’re receiving in the workplace might stick around longer. In fact, 59% of employees say they would stay at a job because of their quality mental health benefits.3
Absenteeism
Like physical health, employee mental health is a big factor affecting how often employees are absent. Employees who experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns may find it challenging to come to work as scheduled—leading to higher absenteeism rates.
Just as you would expect an employee with a physical illness or injury to take a sick day, your employees with mental health issues may also need some time away from work to get help and cope with the pressures of work and life in general.
Productivity
When your team members are well adjusted and feeling their best, they can focus on their work with less distractions. Employees who feel supported by what they see when it comes to mental health in the workplace can be more focused on their work.
Return on Investment
It’s no secret incorporating certain mental health benefits may cost your company money, but it’s important to remember this is a worthwhile investment. Taking an interest in your team’s mental health in the workplace can result in more employees hitting goals, increasing profit, and choosing to remain with your company. All of that equals a solid return on investment for you.
If you or another member on your team is struggling with mental health affecting work performance, know that there are plenty of ways to work through it. Sometimes the hardest part is taking note of the issue and realizing that where you’re at with your mental health is affecting work.