World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health, mobilize efforts to promote mental well-being and enhance support for those experiencing mental health issues. This year’s theme, ‘It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace’ highlights the importance of mental health in professional settings and emphasizes the role that work environments play in shaping mental well-being.
Work is an integral part of adult life. While jobs provide a sense of purpose, financial stability, and social engagement, they can also become sources of distress and anxiety. Factors such as excessive workloads, unrealistic expectations, job insecurity, discrimination, lack of autonomy, long hours, unsupportive, unsafe and inflexible work environments can contribute to poor mental health. Further, some workers may experience a blurring between personal and professional lives, exacerbated by pandemic related changes such as increased work from home. As such, this year’s theme urging governments, organizations, employers, stakeholders and individuals to foster supportive environments, actively address mental health challenges, and recognize the importance of psychological health alongside productivity, is the need of the hour.
A mentally healthy workplace is one that empowers individuals to thrive, both professionally and personally, through an environment of growth, purpose, respect, cooperation and adequate financial remuneration. Poor mental health impacts not only the individual but also the organization as mental health issues can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and burnout. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 12 billion working days are lost globally, every year, due to depression and anxiety costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion each year in lost productivity! At a time when many countries still have GDP driven goals, this massive number highlights the importance of investing in mental health for a better and more resilient workforce.
The World Economic Forum, too, recognized the need to prioritize mental health at work and conceptualize health holistically- encompassing physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. They also noted that there is no universal solution to workplace mental health, with organizations needing to account for cultural and individual differences through tailored, sensitive approaches for supporting employees.
Prioritizing mental health in the workplace goes beyond superficial, short-term interventions. It requires a sustained commitment to creating a culture of mental well-being and addressing the root causes of mental health issues. Promoting a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength and resilience rather than weakness, encouraging open and honest conversations and reaching out to those who may be struggling with mental health issues, decreasing the stigma associated with accessing mental healthcare, improving our awareness and understanding of mental illnesses and supporting awareness and advocacy initiatives require to be accompanied by measures to improve work environments, frameworks to address discrimination and conflicts, and training for those in leadership roles regarding measures to promote mental well-being, communication skills and how to support those with mental health issues.
Further, it is important to remember that mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, occupation or position. For people with mental health conditions, decent work can contribute to recovery and improve confidence and social functioning. Supporting workers with mental health conditions by adapting work environments, increased flexibility, phased re-entry to work and supported employment initiatives for those with severe mental illnesses are little steps that can go a long way. The International Purple Fest in Goa earlier this year highlighted the potential for fostering inclusivity in the workforce for those with disabilities, and a more inclusive workforce benefits society as a whole.
To conclude, mental health is no longer an afterthought- it is a vital aspect of a thriving workforce. By fostering open dialogue, offering resources, ensuring supportive leadership, and creating a balanced work culture, organizations can make meaningful strides in protecting the mental well-being of their employees. In turn, healthier employees lead to more resilient, creative, and productive organizations. Now is the time for action, and it starts with making mental health a priority in every workplace.
(Dr Colin Braganza is a psychiatrist who believes increasing the conversation around mental health is a key step towards creating a better would for us all. He is a member of the Psychiatric Society of Goa, an organization that works towards enhancing mental health for all.)