What is mental health in the workplace and what it looks like in India

What is mental health in the workplace? Is it something constant? Changeable? Is it trainable like a muscle is? Should managers care, and is it up to them? Why yes/no? What are some signs to look out for? Can any manager intervene?

Let's get some answers.

So...what is mental health in the workplace?

Mental health in the workplace encompasses the psychological well-being of employees within their professional environment. Just as we acknowledge and address physical health concerns, it's imperative to recognize that mental health is equally significant. Within the workforce (even though not only in that domain), individuals exist on a spectrum of mental well-being, where fluctuations are common and can impact performance and overall satisfaction.

Just like how we all look after our bodies, we need to pay attention to our mental well-being too. Think of it this way: one out of every four people deals with a mental health issue each year. That's a lot of folks, and about one in every six employees might be feeling down, anxious, or stressed at any given time.

Work can sometimes make these issues worse, but it can also be part of the solution. By creating a supportive environment and making sure managers are trained to handle mental health concerns, companies can play a huge role in promoting wellbeing among their employees.

Sometimes, people with mental health challenges can still handle their work just fine. But others might need a little extra help, either for a short time or even ongoing support. Here's a stat to think about 59% of Indian employees have felt depressed at some point. That's a big number, and if you don't pay attention to it, it could end up costing you a lot in the long run. [INSERT LINK TO ARTICLE 1.] 

Sure, we could talk about return on investment (ROI), and indeed, numerous studies attempt to quantify the financial toll of neglecting what is mental health in the workplace [INSERT LINK TO ARTICLE 3.]. But it's more than just numbers on a balance sheet - it's about people.

After all, you need to understand that it's not just about the well-being of individual employees; it's also about the overall health of the organization.

So, work hurts mental health?

As we mentioned before...sometimes work can be tough on mental health, but it can also be a supportive environment for those dealing with mental health issues. (It all depends on the circumstances.)

Also see: "What mistakes to avoid when supporting mental health in the workplace?' [INSERT LINK TO ARTICLE 2]

Having a mental health problem/issue/illness doesn't automatically mean someone can't work. In fact, with the right support in place, being at work can actually be part of their healing journey.

When someone is struggling with their mental health, having a supportive workplace can really make a difference in their recovery journey. (Keep in mind: Mental health problems often come and go, so the level of support needed might change over time.)

Also, most people who get treatment for their mental health issues see improvements in their work performance. It's actually pretty cost-effective for companies to invest in supporting employees with mental health problems rather than constantly recruiting and training new people. For example, treating depression has been shown to reduce both absenteeism (when people don't show up for work) and presenteeism (when they're at work but not fully functioning) by a significant amount, like 40-60%.

So, what is mental health in the workplace: what does it really mean? It's about creating an environment where employees feel supported and valued, where they can talk openly about their mental health without fear of judgment. Offering mental health first aid training to managers is one way to achieve this, helping them understand how to support their team members who might be struggling.

Signs of mental health problems at work

Understanding what mental health looks like in the workplace is crucial. It's not just about being physically present; it's about being mentally and emotionally engaged as well. Mental health in the workplace encompasses a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being in the context of their work environment.

Now, when we talk about spotting signs of mental health problems among colleagues or employees, it's important to pay attention to both physical and behavioral cues.

Physically, you might notice:

Constant fatigue: Employees may seem tired all the time, lacking energy or enthusiasm for their work.

Physical ailments: Frequent sickness, headaches, or other physical complaints can indicate underlying mental health issues.

Sleep problems: Difficulty sleeping or irregular sleep patterns can be a sign of stress or anxiety.

Changes in appearance: A disheveled appearance or significant weight loss/gain may suggest that something is amiss.

But it's not just about the physical symptoms. Changes in behavior are equally telling. 

Reduced productivity: Struggling to complete tasks or a noticeable decrease in work output.

Complaints and irritability: Employees may express dissatisfaction with their workload or seem easily frustrated.

Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or suddenly becoming less engaged in work activities.

Difficulty concentrating: Problems focusing on tasks or remembering things that were once easy to recall.

Loss of confidence: A decrease in confidence or decisiveness in their actions.

Recognizing these signs is just the first step. The next crucial step is providing mental health first aid. This means offering support and assistance to someone who might be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. By intervening early, we can help them get back on track more quickly and prevent the situation from escalating.

Failing to provide this support can have serious consequences. Untreated mental health issues can worsen over time, leading to more severe problems or even a crisis situation. By being proactive and attentive to the signs, you can create a more supportive and understanding workplace environment where everyone feels valued and cared for. 

The role of the line manager is key

You've probably heard the saying that people join companies but leave their managers – and it still holds true. How they lead and engage with their teams directly impacts the mental health of their employees. 

This rings truer than ever, especially in today's climate where teams are asked to achieve more with fewer resources.

Employees are facing mounting pressures: heavier workloads, tighter deadlines, and more demanding targets. Many feel overwhelmed and out of control. How they're managed and supported at work has become a vital factor in sustaining both their performance and their wellbeing. Successful organizations recognize this and prioritize the mental health of their employees.

Mental ill health can stem from various sources, whether it's troubles at home (like relationship issues or financial stress) or challenges in the workplace (such as poor management and excessive stress.) Regardless of the root cause, creating a healthy working environment is very, very important. Managers who are adept at identifying early signs of mental health issues and providing appropriate support play a pivotal role in keeping employees healthy and preventing more serious mental health problems.

Managers need to be equipped with the skills to recognize when an employee might be struggling mentally and how to offer the right support. This includes knowing how to initiate conversations about mental health sensitively and without stigma, as well as being aware of scientific resources available for further assistance.

Offering mental health first aid training is a proactive step for managers. It empowers them to better understand mental health issues, recognize warning signs, and provide appropriate support and guidance to their teams. By investing in such training, managers not only fulfill their duty of care to their employees but also contribute to a healthier and more productive workplace overall.

No one knows their employees better than managers do, which makes them ideally placed to create an environment conducive to their team's well-being and to spot changes in behavior or performance that could indicate an underlying mental health issue. Much of this comes down to good management practice and accredited mental health first aid certification. 

Managers can suffer from mental health issues, too!

It's often overlooked that line managers are essentially the glue holding everything together in many workplaces. So, let's not forget that line managers themselves are often under the greatest pressure(!!) 

They're not just handling their own workload but also acting as the bridge between higher management and their team members. Now, add to that the responsibility of safeguarding the mental health and well-being of their employees. That's no small feat!

Moreover, line managers often find themselves caught in the middle of organizational demands and the well-being of their team. Balancing these competing priorities requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and sometimes making tough decisions that prioritise mental health over productivity.

So, when we talk about line managers being under pressure, it's not just the regular work they handle. They're also juggling this big responsibility of taking care of their team's mental health and their own on top of everything else. That's why it's super important for them to get the right training, like mental health first aid training. This training helps them understand what mental health is all about and how they can support their team when things really get tough.

Deciding whether or not to approach

When we talk about mental health in the workplace, it's essential to understand that it's not just about diagnosable mental health conditions. So, before jumping to conclusions about someone's mental health, think about whether other factors might be involved, like how the workplace operates or how people interact with each other.

However, it's equally important to tread carefully, especially if you're in a managerial position. There's a delicate balance between showing concern and potentially exacerbating the issue (especially if there's a conflict between your roles as a manager and a supportive figure.) Maybe the workplace environment itself is part of the problem. After all, mental health in the workplace isn't just about having the right policies in place. [INSERT LINK TO ARTICLE 4]

Sometimes, despite your best intentions, it may not be appropriate for you to directly approach the individual. In such cases, it's advisable to seek guidance from someone else who may be better positioned to help. 

In essence, navigating mental health in the workplace requires a nuanced approach. It's about being observant, empathetic, and proactive.

Final thoughts

To sum it up, mental health in the workplace isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. Having managers who are trained to recognize and address mental health concerns can make a big difference.

So, when you ask "What is mental health in the workplace," it's not merely a buzzword or a passing trend. It's a fundamental aspect of modern work life that demands attention, empathy, AND (most importantly) action. After all, a mentally healthy workplace isn't just good for business; it's important for the well-being of every individual who walks through those office doors.