Nurturing Mental Health at Work: 📈 Trends and Developments
Let’s talk about work, baby.
The Impact of the Workplace on Mental Health
For many of us, nearly a third of our lives will be spent in the workplace. We spend more waking hours in our physical or virtual workplace than at home and often engage more with team members than family members.
Record Levels of Workplace Stress and Mental Health Challenges
Despite the number of hours and amount of energy we commit to work, many of us still struggle to find a healthy relationship with work. Rates of extreme stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression are at record levels. According to research from the Future Forum, burnout from workplace stress is at an all-time high of 42% since spring 2021 with women and young people most at risk. And one of McKinsey’s latest surveys revealed that employees face mental-health challenges irrespective of their location, industry, age group, role, or gender.
The Collective Impact of Mental Health at Work: Lost Workdays and Economic Costs
The collective impact is also staggering. Studies show that every year, up to 200 million workdays in the US are lost due to mental health challenges. Untreated mental health conditions cost the United States upwards of $3.7 trillion every year.
We love to see it
But it’s not all bad news. Many organizations and yes even governing bodies are taking action. Here are a few trends and developments worth getting excited about.
Guidance from the administration
Late last year, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office put out the Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Framework, a 30 page document and website highlighting five essentials for supporting the mental health and well-being of workers—protection from harm; connection and community; work-life harmony; mattering at work; and opportunities for growth. The document also includes steps that leaders can take to incorporate them in policies and practices.
C-level commitment to employee mental health
Some organizations have moved beyond just talking about mental health at work, recognizing that because mental health directly affects business performance, innovation, and culture, it’s a core pillar of their future-of-work strategy. Positive workplace mental health requires investment (time, intention, and action) from all levels of an organization, including leadership, management, and employees. Over the past few years, the significance of centering employee’s mental health and wellbeing has become more evident and many organizational leaders are making these efforts a part of their companies’ attraction and retention programs. David Ko, CEO of Calm said, “CEOs have to rethink innovation to meet people where they are, with the tools they need in this new world. And, we have to be advocates for new policies, empower our employees, and set a clear vision and purpose for the future. This is where I see myself spending most of my time in 2023.”
Structural changes for employee wellbeing
According to McKinsey, recent global survey data suggest that improving workplace factors, such as eliminating toxic behaviors, boosting inclusivity, and creating sustainable workloads, can be several times more predictive of employee mental health and wellbeing than providing access to resources alone. Structural workplace changes that support better mental health for workers are becoming increasingly important as companies recognize the impact of mental health on employee wellbeing and productivity. Employers can also implement policies and programs that promote mental health, such as mental health days, access to mental health resources and support, and training for managers and colleagues on how to recognize and respond to mental health issues. Providing a safe and inclusive workplace that prioritizes employee wellbeing and mental health not only benefits individual workers but also leads to improved productivity and overall company success.
exploring the 4 day work week
Lastly, the concept of a 4-day work week is gaining momentum around the world, and for good reason. Studies have shown that reducing the workweek from five to four days can lead to numerous benefits for both employees and employers. For workers, a shorter workweek can improve work-life balance, reduce stress levels, and increase job satisfaction. It also allows for more time to pursue personal interests, which can lead to increased creativity and innovation. For employers, a 4-day work week can result in increased productivity, better employee retention rates, and lower overhead costs. Overall, the benefits of a 4-day work week are clear and it's a concept that more companies should consider implementing.
Importance of Mental health first aid (MHFA) training
Mental health first aid training has become increasingly important as mental health issues continue to rise globally. Mental health first aid training involves teaching individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness in themselves and others. This training can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by promoting understanding and empathy while helping people recognize when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and take appropriate action to support them. It can also provide individuals with the tools to manage their own mental health and well-being, leading to improved productivity and quality of life. Overall, mental health first aid training is an essential tool for promoting mental health and wellbeing in individuals and communities.
In other news
Wrapping up this week with a few other noteworthy news stories in the world of mental health.
Senator John Fetterman speaks out. After entering treatment for depression at Walter Reed in mid-February, Senator Fetterman speaks to CBS, expressing hope for his ability to manage his depression in his evolving public life.
MLB player Austin Meadows steps away from baseball to 'prioritize his mental health'
Succession’s latest episode is a doozy, portraying themes of shock, denial, and grief in some of the best acting we’ve ever seen. DON’T CLICK UNLESS YOU’RE OK WITH MAJOR TV SPOILERS!
That’s all for now, folks. See you again soon. In the meantime, forward this email to all your work friends and drop us a line.
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