World Mental Health Day, observed annually on 10th October, highlights the crucial issue of poor mental health in the workplace. This year’s theme, ‘Mental Health at Work,’ draws attention to how workplace conditions and environments impact mental wellbeing.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that mental health disorders, specifically depression and anxiety, lead to the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays annually, costing the global economy around US$1 trillion every year.
This staggering loss is not only an economic concern but also a human one, affecting the lives of individuals, their families, and society at large.
The Impact of Poor Mental Health on Work Performance
Mental health issues in the workplace are widespread, yet often underrecognized. Many employees endure depression, anxiety, and stress, which severely impact their ability to perform effectively at work. WHO’s findings show that unhealthy work environments contribute significantly to the mental health crisis.
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Issues such as workplace harassment, discrimination, and poor working conditions are commonly linked to deteriorating mental health. These stressors lead to decreased work performance, absenteeism, and in many cases, increased staff turnover.
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Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for the Southeast Asia Region, underscored the importance of addressing mental health at work, emphasizing that work environments can either protect or harm employees’ mental wellbeing.
She pointed out that mental health disorders are not isolated issues, as they affect an individual’s overall performance and contribute to wider systemic problems, such as reduced productivity and heightened organizational inefficiencies.
Employees suffering from mental health issues often experience burnout, making it difficult for them to meet deadlines, collaborate effectively, or maintain creativity in their roles. Furthermore, absenteeism — where employees take time off work due to mental health issues — is another costly consequence for companies.
Even when employees remain physically present, their mental state may limit their productivity, a phenomenon referred to as presenteeism. This results in lost potential, underperformance, and ultimately, a significant drain on organizational resources.
The Importance of Creating Supportive Work Environments
One of the most significant conclusions from the WHO’s report is that supportive, healthy work environments can mitigate the negative impacts of poor mental health.
Employees spend roughly a third of their lives at work, which means the workplace has a crucial role in shaping mental wellbeing. Positive changes in the work environment, both physical and psychological, can lead to a dramatic improvement in employees’ mental health.
Saima Wazed pointed out that these changes include not only creating ergonomic and comfortable office spaces but also fostering open communication, mutual respect, and positive interpersonal relationships. Having designated areas where employees can relax and socialize can also have a profound effect on reducing stress and promoting mental wellness.
Moreover, proactive measures such as providing training to managers on how to address mental health issues, organizing mindfulness workshops, and regularly assessing workplace conditions through surveys can significantly enhance the overall mental health of employees.
Simple interventions, like offering flexible working hours, encouraging breaks, and promoting a culture of work-life balance, can all reduce the strain on employees’ mental health.
Beyond these environmental and procedural changes, direct interventions such as access to mental health counseling services and peer advisory networks can be game changers. Having these support systems in place allows employees to seek help when needed, fostering a culture of understanding and empathy within the workplace.
SEARO Care: A Model for Improving Workplace Mental Health
As part of its commitment to improving mental health at work, WHO has launched a pioneering initiative known as SEARO Care. Designed to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and country offices, this initiative is positioned as a potential model for other organizations to adopt.
Wazed explained that SEARO Care is built on two primary pillars: improving the working environment and protecting and promoting the mental health of all employees. The initiative is still in its early stages, but once fully piloted and launched, SEARO Care is expected to serve as an example for companies and organizations across the region.
The initiative’s goal is to foster a work culture where employees feel valued, respected, and cared for, which will, in turn, lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved mental health.
These outcomes are expected to boost the overall organizational culture, encouraging collaboration, trust, and open communication among employees. By addressing mental health proactively, SEARO Care aims to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, leading to higher productivity and fostering an innovative work environment.
SEARO Care’s focus on mental health also aligns with the wider objectives of the WHO’s Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience, which prioritizes mental and psychosocial health as a cornerstone of its regional goals.
This emphasis on mental health in the workplace is a necessary response to the growing awareness that mental wellbeing is intrinsically linked to organizational success.
As Wazed emphasized, if SEARO Care succeeds, it will serve as a model for other companies and organizations to replicate. By creating an environment that nurtures mental health, SEARO Care is likely to inspire changes that lead to improved mental health outcomes across workplaces in the Southeast Asia region and beyond.
Mental health is an often overlooked aspect of the workplace, yet it plays a vital role in shaping both individual wellbeing and organizational success. As the WHO’s findings reveal, poor mental health at work costs the global economy an estimated US$1 trillion annually, and millions of workdays are lost due to depression and anxiety.
In light of these alarming statistics, it is clear that improving mental health at work must become a top priority for businesses and organizations worldwide.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, ‘Mental Health at Work,’ calls attention to the urgent need for safer, healthier work environments. By addressing mental health through direct interventions, supportive workplace culture, and improved working conditions, companies can not only protect their employees but also boost productivity and innovation.
WHO’s SEARO Care initiative exemplifies how organizations can take concrete steps to promote mental health, creating positive, long-term impacts on both employees and the wider community.
With mental health now recognized as a critical factor in workplace performance and economic productivity, it is essential for organizations across all sectors to implement comprehensive strategies to support the mental wellbeing of their workforce.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏