Ever felt like there's been a growing buzz about mental health at work over the past few years? You're not imagining it—your hunch is spot on, and the numbers prove it.
For instance, a Harvard study found that the percentage of people rating their mental health as "okay" (7/10) has dropped significantly every year since the pandemic, with 2024 showing the lowest numbers yet.
Headspace reports that 77% of employees believe work stress harms their physical health. Even more shocking, Gallup's 2024 Global Workplace Report reveals that 86% of employees worldwide are struggling or suffering when it comes to mental well-being.
It's clear this is a growing crisis, but how exactly does declining mental health affect individuals and the organizations they work for? So today let's take a step back and uncover how this work-related mental health issue ripple through and impact workplace performance. Read on:
Declining Mental Health at Work Place & Organizational Impact:
The average employee spends nearly a third of their active life at work. With so much time invested, it’s no surprise that workplace conditions significantly impact mental well-being.
A supportive work environment can promote satisfaction and productivity. But when the opposite happens, when work brings stress, heavy workloads, or high-pressure situations—mental health can suffer continuously.
“Stress at work doesn’t just stay at work. It spills into personal life, creating a ripple effect. Unresolved challenges, like unclear job roles, discrimination, or unrealistic deadlines, can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as poor lifestyle choices or even substance use. Over time, these issues also impact work performance, creating a vicious cycle.” says Dr Jennifer Albert, a board-certified psychiatrist at Psych Nashua.
The Impact of Workplace Mental Health Challenges:
Decreased Job Satisfaction:
When work becomes a source of constant stress and anxiety employees lose satisfaction in their roles which further leads to anxiety, frustration. Without the necessary support, job dissatisfaction directly result in reduced focus and thus, productivity.
Reduced Productivity:
A study by the American Psychiatric Association found that mental health issues reduce workplace productivity by 35%, costing the U.S. economy $210.5 billion annually due to absenteeism, medical expenses, and lost output.
Increased Absenteeism:
Employees dealing with unresolved mental health struggles are more likely to take frequent sick days. According to the University of California, Berkeley, mental health related absenteeism leads to an average of 31.4 sick leaves a year which further strains businesses and teams.
Job Burnout:
When stress, reduced productivity, and absenteeism go unchecked, they often culminate in job burnout. A LinkedIn survey revealed that 4 in 10 U.S. employees feel burned out in their jobs due to unresolved work stress, anxiety and frustration.
Burnout not only affects individual performance but also contributes to higher turnover rates and attrition which significantly costs an organization.
The Ripple Effect: When Work and Personal Life Overlap
"Personal and work-related mental health challenges rarely stay confined to the workplace. For example, work-related stress can harm physical health, disrupt relationships, and create tension at home. Similarly, personal mental health struggles often bleed into work life, worsening existing problems at work. It is a poisonous cycle that needs to be broken at the earliest", says our mental health professional at Psych Nashua.
If you are a working professional feeling stuck in a cycle of stress and struggling to balance work and well-being, know that you're not alone—and things can improve. Seeking support from a mental health professional who understands the unique challenges of working professionals can make a world of difference.
Psych Nashua – Mental Health Services for Professional & Executives
At Psych Nashua, we understand the unique challenges working professionals face. Our team of specialist behavior counselors and psychiatrists provides tailored mental health support that empower working professionals to regain balance, improve work performance, and nurture holistic well-being in their personal and professional lives.
Let us help you take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling professional life. Contact our board-certified mental health professionals here.
References:
コメント