According to a Harvard Business Review article published on October 4, 2021, in 2019, mental health in the workplace became more widely recognized as an important issue. Employers were beginning to understand the prevalence of mental health challenges among employees, the need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and the connection of mental health to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

In 2020, continues the article, mental health support became a “true business imperative.” The pandemic and other events of 2020 heightened awareness of the workplace factors that can contribute to mental health problems and the need for employers to provide mental health support. 

Post-Pandemic Reality

Now in 2022, the stakes have been raised even higher. There is a greater understanding of the mental health needs of employees and the importance of workplace policies and programs that support mental health. As a result, employers are under pressure to do more to address mental health in the workplace. The pandemic has also increased interest in flexible work arrangements and other workplace changes that can help employees manage their mental health.

In the past, mental health was often seen as a personal issue that employees should deal with on their own time. However, the events of the past two years have made it clear that mental health is a workplace issue that can no longer be ignored. 

Contributing Factors Undermining Mental Health

Mental health challenges in the workplace are now the norm, with more than three-quarters of employees reporting at least one symptom of a mental health condition in the past year. This is a significant increase from 2019, when mental health challenges affected just over half of employees. 

It is increasingly clear that work can harm mental health, even for those who do not have preexisting mental health conditions. For example, in a recent survey, 84% of respondents reported at least one workplace factor that negatively impacted their mental health. 

The pandemic has only served to magnify the issue, as workers have been dealing with increased stress and anxiety levels. Not surprisingly, in a recent survey, mental health was one of the most commonly cited factors affecting job satisfaction. 

Younger workers and members of underrepresented groups were especially likely to report negative impacts on their mental health. When looking across all respondents, the most common factor was emotionally draining work, which also worsened during the pandemic. This factor was closely followed by work-life balance. 

The Cost of Toxic Work Environments

The prevalence of employees' mental health concerns increased from 2019 to 2022. However, younger and historically underrepresented workers still struggle the most with mental health in the workplace. 

Mental health challenges can lead to absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher health care costs. Therefore, employers need to provide employees with mental health support and resources to address these challenges. 

As a society, we also need to create a mental health culture in the workplace where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health challenges and seeking help. 

Employers' Responses Lack Substance

In response to the mental health crisis, employers have implemented initiatives like mental health days or weeks, four-day workweeks, and enhanced counseling benefits or apps.

While these initiatives are a step in the right direction, they are not enough. Employees need and expect sustainable and mentally healthy workplaces.

It's not enough to offer the latest apps or employ euphemisms like "well-being" or "mental fitness." To create genuinely mentally healthy workplaces, we need to take on the real work of cultural change.

The combination of macro stressors and the ongoing pandemic has taken a toll on mental health, and organizations need to do more to support their employees. 

What Employers Can Do

Employers are turning to experts to help them create policies that improve employees' mental health. Some things that have shown to make a difference include:

• Promote work/life balance: When employees are expected to work long hours and be available at all times, it can lead to burnout and a decline in productivity. Therefore, it's essential to encourage employees to take regular vacations and breaks and disconnect from work when they're away from the office. This will help them recharge and return feeling refreshed and ready to work. Additionally, companies should make sure that employees have the opportunity to disconnect from work in the evenings and on weekends. This will help them to avoid burnout.

• Talk about mental health: Mental health is often seen as a taboo topic at work, and many people are afraid to speak up about their struggles. This needs to change. Employees should feel comfortable coming to their managers with mental health concerns. In turn, managers should be educated about mental health problems and trained to respond appropriately. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we can reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage more people to seek help.

• Make wellness a priority: Whether you offer incentives to employees who participate in wellness programs or provide free gym memberships, make wellness a top priority for your organization. Making wellness a focus will create a more supportive workplace for mental health and make it more likely to retain talented employees.

In today's society, we can no longer overlook mental health in the workplace. Make wellness a priority for your organization by implementing wellness programs and offering incentives to employees who participate. By making mental health a priority, you can create a healthy and productive workplace for all.

Mental illness and substance abuse issues cost employers between $79-$105 billion each year, according to the Center for Prevention and Health. Absenteeism reduces productivity, and increased health care costs are just a few of the ways mental health issues cost employers money. However, employers can take steps to create a healthier workplace that supports employees' mental health. Managers should feel comfortable talking about mental health with their team members. Employees should feel that they can speak up if they're struggling. Additionally, companies should provide mental health resources, such as an employee assistance program or access to therapy. By investing in mental health, employers can create a better environment for their employees—and save money in the process. Resources are available for employers looking to make healthy changes. Next Level Recovery Associates helps employers make decisions that boost mental wellness in their workforce. Contact us at consult@nextlevelra.com.