Home 9 Uncategorized 9 Unlocking Employee Potential: Making the Workplace Supportive of Mental Health

Unlocking Employee Potential: Making the Workplace Supportive of Mental Health

Jul 1, 2023 | Uncategorized

Contrary to the common misconception, mental health is not limited to being either mentally ill or mentally well. Everyone experiences mental health on a continuum that fluctuates between wellness and illness, much like physical health. Just as unhealthy eating or lack of sleep can affect your physical well-being, your mental health is susceptible to various stressors and life events. 

What is mental health?

Your mental health is comprised of your emotional, psychological, and social well-being, touching every facet of your life and influencing how you think, feel, behave, handle stress, make choices, and relate to others. When you’re mentally healthy, you can live fully, cope with daily stressors, find meaning, produce your best work, and achieve your full potential.

“Without mental health, there is no true physical health.”

While it’s common to think of mental and physical health as two distinct realms, the reality is that they are intertwined and mutually influential. Extensive scientific research supports this connection, revealing that mental illnesses like depression heighten the risk of physical ailments like heart disease. Likewise, physical conditions like cancer or fibromyalgia increase the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression. To put it into perspective, the link between depression and heart disease is as strong as the connection between obesity and heart disease!

 

Significance of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health was once a taboo topic in the workplace, but societal upheaval and political events sparked a revolution in our approach. The pandemic’s collective trauma and the stress and uncertainty of social fallout have made mental health a top priority in workplaces worldwide. Astonishingly, in 2022, 76% of US workers reported experiencing at least one symptom of mental illness. With a shift in how we think about the intersection between work and wellness, the generations poised to take over the workforce, Millennials and Gen Z, are actively seeking workplaces that prioritize mental well-being, with 60-65% expressing this as a crucial factor in their career decisions.

The average person spends over one-third of their life at work, and employers are responsible for cultivating environments that support employee well-being. This approach not only benefits individuals but also drives business success. Acknowledging the profound impact of aligning workplace practices with mental well-being is essential, as it forms the cornerstone of improving overall mental health.

Visible Costs of an Invisible Struggle

You and your team members’ mental health impacts your interactions, decisions, and work. Employees are like the engine of an organization. When given the ongoing care and attention needed to maintain optimal performance, you help prevent costly consequences. Consider how poor mental health reverberates across an organization:

1. Impact on individuals:

Employees who are engaged at work yet struggling in their personal lives are more likely to underperform due to the burden of emotional baggage. A Gallup study found they are:

  • 61% more likely to experience burnout often or always
  • 48% more likely to report daily stress
  • 66% more likely to experience daily worry
  • 2x more likely to report daily sadness and anger

2. Productivity and performance:

Mental distress diminishes an employee’s cognitive capacity, leading to distraction, impaired problem-solving, and poorer decision-making. Studies estimate that presenteeism, or being physically at work but mentally out of it, accounts for a staggering loss of productivity. Presenteeism bears the responsibility for 80% of the costs from lost productivity– that’s 4x higher than the costs associated with absenteeism. 

3. Absenteeism and turnover:

Employees facing mental health challenges take more sick days, placing additional stress on their colleagues and risking understaffing. Mental illness is also associated with substance use disorders, resulting in higher short-term disability costs and workers’ compensation claims due to safety incidents. A survey from The Standard found that 57% of workers lose 10+ hours a week of productivity due to substance abuse. What is the cost of replacing ineffective employees? 1.5 to 2x of the employee’s annual salary– and that’s not factoring in the cultural impact or lost organizational knowledge.

4. Job satisfaction and morale:

Underperforming employees not only bear the burden themselves but also impact the morale and productivity of their teammates. Ineffective or untimely communication, strained relationships, and poor team collaboration or dynamics force colleagues to compensate for their team members’ deficits and contribute to an unfavorable work environment.

5. Organizational reputation:

In customer-facing roles, decreased employee satisfaction translates to reduced customer satisfaction. In the age where thoughts are posted and broadcasted to a vast online community in the blink of an eye, disgruntled employees can tarnish a company’s reputation, impacting clients, potential job candidates, and public perception.

When mental well-being isn’t prioritized, companies use more time, energy, and resources to be reactive and manage ongoing issues rather than working efficiently, innovating, and being productive.

Making the Workplace Supportive of Mental Health

As organizations leverage the reciprocal relationship between employee well-being and improved workplace performance and cultures, thinking about mental well-being beyond a one-size fits solution is essential.

Managers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between an organization’s goals and the employees who bring them to life. They can foster collaborative, productive, and successful teams by promoting awareness, reducing stigma, providing resources, encouraging work-life balance, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Promoting awareness and reducing stigma 

  • Educate employees about mental health through group trainings and educational resources. 
  • Encourage open dialogue by asking, “How are you?” and actively listening to their response. Knowing your direct reports beyond their job title creates a sense of trust and safety, making it easier for employees to approach you about issues affecting their well-being. 
  • Conduct regular mental health check-ins to normalize conversations about mental well-being and ensure employees’ needs are addressed.

Providing resources and support systems 

  • Familiarize employees with the available mental health resources by promoting them on the company intranet, placing print materials in highly-trafficked areas, including them in internal newsletters, and hosting benefit fairs. Familiarize yourself with available resources to guide employees seeking help and regularly remind them of their availability. 
  • Respect confidentiality and privacy by offering options like mental health days or private rooms for employees to collect themselves or have counseling appointments.

Encouraging work-life balance

  • Offer flexibility with wellness time off for appointments, flexible scheduling, and remote work options. Autonomy improves mental well-being by giving employees more control over their lives. 
  • Encourage self-care and stress management by openly sharing personal experiences. When leaders demonstrate their own well-being practices and talk candidly about utilizing available resources, it empowers employees to do the same. 
  • Emphasize the importance of using paid time off (PTO) and taking regular breaks. 
  • Set realistic workloads, expectations, and goals to reduce stress and promote a healthier work environment. Normalize boundaries between work and home by establishing communication norms, for example, setting the expectation that emails sent after 4 pm will not receive a response until the next business day.

Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment 

  • Provide training programs for leaders and managers to recognize and address mental health issues. Workshops can help equip them with skills to navigate conversations, create a supportive environment, and foster psychological safety. 
  • Develop a supportive leadership approach by focusing on the desired outcome rather than the problem. For example, if an employee is consistently arriving late to meetings, you may tell them that you need them to arrive on time and ask how you can help make that happen.

Creating a mental health-friendly work culture starts with empowered managers who prioritize the well-being of their team members. Organizations can cultivate a positive and thriving workplace where employees are happier, healthier, and more engaged by promoting awareness, reducing stigma, providing resources, encouraging work-life balance, and fostering a supportive environment. Remember, small actions, such as genuinely asking, “Are you okay?” and listening attentively, can make a world of difference. 

Unlock your potential, empower your team

Whether you manage one direct report or lead a large team, one of your most
challenging responsibilities is bringing out the best in your people.

If you have Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits through EFR, you have access to leadership coaching designed to equip you with the skills to guide your team to success. Explore and get started with leadership coaching today!

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

How Much Caffeine Am I Really Getting

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Current Caffeine Consumption Trends.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

How Can I Boost My Energy Naturally.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A:  Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.

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