Mental Stress in the Workplace

Did you know that almost 1 in 7 people in the workforce are experiencing trouble with mental health? It’s estimated that over 12% of absent days taken from work can be attributed to mental health – on average that’s 91 MILLION work days a year. That means as employers, an alarming number of your workforce are experiencing noteable mental health events. 

Mental stress in a work environment isn’t uncommon – we all handle challenges and expectations differently, but offering proactive mental healthcare for employees can mean the difference when it comes to an efficient and healthy work environment. Workplace stress can literally change someone’s outlook on life – that’s why it’s so important to manage your employment opportunities with the mindset that your employees and staff have the resources and empowerment to address their wellbeing head on. 

As employers, realizing that a healthy staff, both physically and emotionally can not only ensure a healthy and happy workplace, but can impact your bottom line can really change your outlook on employee wellbeing. 

Mental Stress in the Workplace – The Impact Mental Health has on Employers

It is estimated that poor access to mental health resources cost UK employers up to £8 billion a year – that’s HUGE! These types of costs are not actually associated with upfront mental health care – these costs are related to missed days of work, potential litigation from harassment and long term mental distress, extended recovery treatments and more. One of the largest employer related costs associated with the current mental health crisis are benefits paid to disability due to a variety of mental health problems caused by workplace mental stress.

The impact that a hostile or negative work environment can have on employees is profound – not only does it have an impact on the individual but it can start to impact their coworkers and perpetuate unhealthy and negative workplace habits. By promoting healthy workplace habits and regulations, the staff and coworkers that work so hard for you as an employer will benefit on an existential and profound level. Not only can you manage individual mental health with benefits and support, but by doing so and caring for their mental health needs you may mitigate the impact they may have on your overall workplace.

Employee Wellbeing – Proactive Employee Mental HealthCare

Utilising programmes and mental health resources to ensure your employees have support and mental health care can really impact your work environment positively. By putting your employee’s mental health first on your priority list, you’re caring for your most valuable assets. 

The secondary benefits to this initiative can be reduced costs in health care and paid out benefits, but also an overall better and more universal employee morale and culture. By being proactive and taking steps to create a positive workplace you’re ensuring your company or brand has a foundation of mentally healthy and cared for individuals – and when your employees feel good and feel safe at work, they’ll perpetuate those awesome feelings and loyalty through their work and customer relations. 

How do Businesses Provide Great Mental Support?

For minimal investment, there are programmes provided throughout the UK that give access to personalised screenings, advice, evaluations and support to employees through their workplace. By offering your employees these amazing resources, you’re enabling and empowering them to take control of their mental health and give them reasonable and affordable options to overcome workplace issues. Some staff have overwhelming personal issues that may affect their professional lives – by providing your employees the positive support they may need you’re also ensuring they feel confident and safe at work. 

When considering the benefits of proactive mental health care in the workplace, it’s important to consider that it’s not just about caring for the individual employee. Mental health support, especially in the form of therapy can be beneficial to employers in the form of anonymous suggestions and recommendations. While there is a level of confidentiality, workplace mental support through therapists can offer employers suggestions and overall feedback that can help employers develop and grow to be an even better, healthier and more amazing place for people to work. 

The mental health crisis worldwide is an overwhelming one – that’s why it’s important to ensure that as employers we care about providing the healthiest workplace possible. After all – our employees spend so much time working so hard for us, we owe it to them!

At hug, we aim to help you understand your team and build a happier, healthier and more productive workplace. Our four core modules, Mind, Money, Health and Engagement allow employees to provide actionable insights. Our platform offers holistic real time analysis of your employee wellbeing and smart matches products, services and benefits to employee needs. Interested in learning more? Book a demo by clicking here today.