World Mental Health Day: Combatting Workplace Mental Health Issues

In recent times, the workplace has become a battleground for the mental health of employees, where the relentless demands of modern life, coupled with the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have given rise to unprecedented challenges. The alarming surge in mental health issues among employees is a clarion call for organisations worldwide to prioritise their workforce's well-being and mental health. As we mark World Mental Health Day today, it is imperative to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, delve into innovative initiatives, and recognise the critical role that organisations play in fostering a mentally healthy workplace.

“Indian subcontinent highlights that the unique challenge of having 1 out of every 7 Indians affected by mental health and wellbeing issues can only be met through a comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial risk landscape followed by concrete and coordinated action. Employers, leaders and managers need to be aware and accept that the rapidly evolving world of today, especially after the pandemic, is no longer a place where employees feel naturally safe and protected. Problems like economic uncertainty, uncertain employment, growing infectious diseases, climate anxiety and geopolitical crises, expose employees to unforeseen risks. Organisations would do well to reassess their employee health and well-being strategies to identify gaps and fill them in the quickest possible time," says Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director at International SOS.

Understanding the Rise in Workplace Mental Health Issues

Recent reports have highlighted a concerning increase in workplace mental health issues. According to Indeed, more than half of employees, 52 per cent, have experienced burnout in the last year, with 67 per cent attributing it to the stress induced by the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that global rates of depression and anxiety have surged by approximately 25 per cent, even doubling in some countries. Additionally, a study by the Harvard Business School found that over 85 per cent of employees reported a decline in their overall well-being since the onset of the pandemic.

“While excessive workload, lack of support from manager or role clarity and inadequate compensation are some of the common reasons, there could also be few other reasons that might cause burnout at the workplace. Mismatch in the values of the organisation and the employee can lead to lower job satisfaction if one is not able to align their personal goals with that of the company. Similarly, if organisations don’t have comprehensive mechanisms to deal with discrimination, it can lead to lack of equal opportunities within the company, making the employee feel less valued and stressed. To ensure employees progress at the workplace, organisations also need to build autonomy by trusting the employees,” highlights Saloni Mittal, Head of Employee Engagement and Campus Recruitment at Go Digit General Insurance.

This surge in mental health challenges can be attributed to various factors. Toxic workplace behaviors, constant connectivity and unsupportive environments have exacerbated stress and burnout levels, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. It is clear that these challenges are deeply rooted in systemic organisational issues.

“Understanding mental health is supreme in today's dynamic fintech landscape. As we drive innovations in finance, the unseen mental and emotional wellbeing of our team becomes the foundation of our success. Employee well-being isn't just about physical health; it encompasses the intricate balance of mental, emotional, and professional challenges faced daily. In an industry characterised by fast-paced change and digital disruptions, the ability to adapt, stay resilient and maintain mental clarity is a competitive advantage. It is essential to create an environment where mental health isn't a taboo but an open conversation, facilitating support, understanding, and growth. Because at the end of the day, our greatest asset isn't just our cutting-edge technology, but the brilliant minds behind it,” Vijay Kumar Jamwal, Head of HR at Biz2X shares.

Innovative Initiatives and Solutions

To combat the rising tide of workplace mental health issues, organisations must adopt proactive and innovative initiatives that go beyond superficial solutions.

“Solutions involve pinpointing organisational burnout triggers, soliciting employee feedback and ensuring leadership support. Furthermore, balanced workloads, combined with wellness initiatives like yoga and walking meetings, have been effective in enhancing employees' mental well-being. Over the past decade, businesses have increasingly recognised the importance of employee mental health, with most offering wellness programmes. Yet, many have targeted individual grievances, which often lead to temporary solutions. Sustainable change requires addressing the root causes of burnout within organisations. It is important to understand that burnout triggers are frequently rooted in systemic organisational issues,” says Habeeb Khan, Head of People and Culture at WiseX.

One effective strategy is prioritising proactive and preventive workplace mental health training for leaders, managers and individual contributors. This training helps debunk common myths, reduce stigma and equip employees with the skills needed for productive conversations about mental health at work.

Modifying Policies and Practices

To reduce stress and burnout, organisations should strive for flexibility and generosity in updating policies and practices in response to the pandemic and other challenges. Revisiting norms around flexible working hours, paid time off, communication practices and leave policies can significantly alleviate the burden on employees. Performance reviews can also be reframed as opportunities for compassionate feedback and growth rather than strict evaluations.

“For enduring change, companies should address toxic workplace behaviour, cultivate inclusive and supportive work designs, and re-evaluate their organisational systems and expectations. This proactive approach not only promotes employee well-being but also fosters a healthier, more productive business environment,” adds Khan.

Measuring and ensuring accountability in mental health initiatives can be simplified through regular pulse surveys to gauge employee well-being. This approach allows organisations to understand how employees are faring both in the present and over time. Valuable insights from employees can shape new programmes, enhance support systems and offer increased flexibility and time off.

“It's not just about work; it's about creating an environment where team members can thrive personally and professionally. We have a flexible work-life balance policy and have curated stigma-free environment where in I personally ensure that employees can discuss anything and everything without any hesitation. We also have fun fridays for an hour for a better team bonding. I truly believe that when employees are at their best mentally, they can truly achieve greatness in everything they do,” explains Abhilasha Negi, Co-founder, People Practices at SanKash.

Intentionally checking in with direct reports on a regular basis is paramount, especially with remote work becoming more prevalent. Prioritising regular communication helps identify signs of employee struggle and fosters a sense of belonging and support.

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it is clear that the mental health of employees is a critical component of a thriving and productive workplace. The surge in workplace mental health issues highlights the need for organisations to take proactive steps, prioritise systemic change and foster a culture of well-being. By addressing the root causes of burnout, modifying policies, measuring progress and building a culture of connection, organisations can create mentally healthy workplaces that benefit both employees and the organisation as a whole. In this endeavor, organisations must recognise that the road to lasting change requires alignment between their words and actions in promoting mental health and well-being at work.