Businesses and Mental Health In 2021

The importance of mental health within a working environment is increasing year by year as more people are affected by mental health issues. Two out of Three employees state they are feeling more stressed due to increased workloads, stressful commutes (although not so much at the moment), less time for breaks, or working through breaks. In 2020, 17.9 million working days were lost due to mental health, as 828,000 individuals reported work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.

There are examples of world-renowned, blue-chip companies that are trying to change policies to improve work-life balance and mental health. A few of these include Facebook, Hootsuite, Next Jump, and Microsoft.

They encourage employees to take part in physical activities, mental health programs and to share stories with colleagues. Facebook encourages their employees to cycle around campus and has swapped their junk food vending machine to a bike part vending machine. Next Jump encourages longer breaks away, provides healthier snacks and psychological and emotional coaching programs. Hootsuite employees are taking a paid week of in July, to highlight the importance of mental health in 2021. They have also expanded sick pay policy and mental health benefits coverage.

Mental Health and COVID-19

Employees continue to struggle with the threat of COVID-19. It has affected everyone including all business types. Two out of Three employees state they are feeling more stressed than before COVID-19 as their mental health has declined from staying at home, working at home, and with the possibility of catching the virus. A Met Life report found that 76% of workers are interested in alternative work arrangements like remote work and more flexible schedules.

Businesses have suffered alongside their employees as some had to shut down for a period of time during lockdown. This has affected business owners as some have lost their livelihoods, which understandably has affected their mental health.

How Does Mental Health Affect Businesses?

Increased absenteeism can negatively impact productivity and profits. If mental health issues continue, employees may not have the energy to work as hard as they normally would.

It is therefore very important that your staff feel adequately rewarded and happy in their jobs.

How Can Businesses Better Their Mental Health Policy?

As mental health awareness is increasing, it’s time to make sure that business policies regarding mental health in the workplace are up to date. Whilst most businesses are updating their policies, we are still learning how to link both workplace and mental health together. In these circumstances, it becomes better to talk openly about mental health.

A few things we can do:

• Assign a Mental Health Champion at work for staff to talk to

• Regular Check-In/mental health reviews

• Healthy Eating Options

• Encourage Employees to take more breaks

• Health & Well-Being programs for staff

• Mental Health Training for employees