Mental health in the workplace has become a growing concern in recent years, with more and more employees reporting high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. Despite efforts to improve workplace culture and reduce stressors, the problem seems to be getting worse.
We’ve compiled the annual figures published by the Health and Safety Executive to show just how much an impact the poor mental health is having on businesses.
Working Days Lost
The increased number of working days of the office in 2022 show an alarmingly clear indication of the impact but doesn’t account for the impact that poor mental health can have on productivity and retention.
Despite an increased awareness of mental health in the workplace and efforts to reduce stressors, the problem seems to be getting worse. But why?
- After 2 years of huge upheaval and uncertainty, both personally and at work, we’re now dealing with life after a global pandemic.
- More and more instances of organisations increasingly moving to bring staff back into office
- Finding the right work/life balance with hybrid working – working from home can still come with its own challenges, it’s much more tempting to work later and be available outside working hours when it also doesn’t suit everyone.
- Last year we had some major upheaval and uncertainty in political leadership both in the UK and globally, leading to major cost of living increases
- Increase in awareness / openness / acknowledgement of poor mental health and mental health illnesses
- Leaders/managers are also trying to deal with how to manage teams/individuals with the hybrid model – passing that pressure onto their team.
What Can Be Done to Combat This?
With the increasing awareness of the impact this is having on the workplace there is also a increase in the availability of information on what we can all do to improve our mental health. But, what isn’t talked about enough is what we can do to improve our resilience in the workplace. Building resilience in the workplace is essential for achieving success and overcoming the challenges that arise. Here are some tips to help build resilience in the workplace:
Foster Positive Relationships: Having strong connections with colleagues can help you cope with stress and difficult situations. Make an effort to build positive relationships with your co-workers by showing interest in their work, offering help when needed, and being kind and respectful.
Stay Organised: Being organised can help you feel more in control of your work and reduce stress levels. Create a prioritised to-do list, set clear goals, and manage your time effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga, can help you manage stress and improve your emotional well-being. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine to help you stay centred and focused.
Embrace Change: Change is inevitable in the workplace, and being adaptable is key to building resilience. Instead of resisting change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Learn from Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes and using them as an opportunity to learn and grow can help you build resilience. Take ownership of your mistakes, reflect on what you could have done differently, and use these lessons to improve in the future.
Take Care of Yourself: Self-care is essential for building resilience. Make sure to prioritise your physical and emotional well-being by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking breaks when needed.
Seek Support: If you are struggling with a particular challenge or feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to seek support from your colleagues, friends, or a mental health professional. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and getting support can help you build resilience and overcome obstacles.
If you have any questions on what you can do to help support your team’s resilience, please do get in touch.
Data collated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries.