Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health in The Workplace

Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health in The Workplace

Be strong. This too shall pass. While this principle recognizes the impermanence of personal tribulation and promises recovery for the more resilient, in this day and age, it just doesn’t cut it anymore. 

Sure, there is wisdom there that the younger generation could draw from in their times of struggle. However, it glosses over an unseen aspect of ourselves; it completely dismisses psychology and mental health.

If there is anything to laud in the current era it is its regard for mental health. And what’s notable about this is that the private sector is starting to realize the value of looking after company employees’ psychological well-being. It appears the stigma around the issue is fast becoming a thing of the past. 

As the matter stands, companies are recognizing the importance of looking after their workers’ mental health. Or so we would like to think.

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Workplace Stress – By The Numbers

An article published by Harvard Business Review stipulates that more than 200 million workdays are lost annually due to mental health issues. The losses incurred amount to $16.8 billion in employee productivity

However, even with the efforts by private companies, the article reports that 60% of employees do not speak about their mental health issues at work. In addition, an article from Starling Minds.com stipulates that 75% of employees said that the company they work for does not have a ready mental health strategy. They stated that having one would aid them in dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression at work. 

On top of that, the Canadian Mental Health Commission reports that Canada spends only 7.2% of its healthcare budget to address mental health concerns. This belongs to the lowest of all G7 countries.

These figures strongly suggest that nations, let alone workplaces, are neither equipped nor entirely comfortable with the topic.

Workplace Stress – Signs to Look Out For

In addressing potential mental health issues in the workplace, recognizing possible stimuli should take precedence. These days, the pursuit of mastery in our chosen professions, greater productivity, and, as we would hate to admit it, recognition for our work, have been causing us a great amount of stress. 

A report released by the American Institute of Stress stipulates that 83% of workers in the United States experience work-related stress. From the sample, 25% of them point to their jobs as their main stressor. The study furthers that about 1 million Americans skip work due to stress. Meanwhile, 76% of American workers claim that stress in the workplace impacts their personal relationships. 

Stress manifests itself through certain symptoms. Let us take a look at some of them.

Physical Symptoms of Workplace Stress

Psychological Symptoms of Workplace Stress

5 Advantages in Putting Mental Health First in Workplaces

Putting psychological well-being above employee productivity will help workers perform at their best. 

To contribute to the ongoing discussion, let us tackle five advantages of prioritizing mental health in the workplace.

1. Increased Productivity and Job Performance

2. Better Teamwork and Colleague Dynamics

3. Reduction of Risks and Costs

4. Job Satisfaction

5. Greater Career Growth

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Much Work Has to Be Done

Establishing 4-day work weeks, allowing employees to use their Sick Leaves to care for mental health, conducting personal counseling, and the like are efforts that are more than appreciated. These show that the private sector is becoming more aware and sensitive to its employees’ needs. However, with the rising anxieties created by modern living, these initiatives need to be augmented. 

Costs and customized programs supporting mental health are challenges that companies need to weather in their pursuit of better care for their employees.

If you are handling a company challenged with coming up with measures to deal with your employees’ mental health concerns, having a discussion with a professional group benefits broker would be recommendable. 

While searching for and booking appointments with group benefits providers may prove time-consuming and tedious, making the necessary arrangements now helps avoid other issues that may arise. 

Note that a broker already has a relationship with all of Canada’s top providers and knows the policies inside and out. Even more importantly, they know that each company, big or small, has its own unique needs and requirements and cannot only compare side-by-side group benefits quotes for you but can also assist in customizing a plan that suits each employee. 

It cannot be stressed enough that your company needs to prioritize mental health in your workplace.  Connect with Group Enroll today. One of our top-rated agents looks forward to working with you.