Mental health at work: Addressing stress, bullying, and the need for balance

Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It encompasses overall well-being that allows individuals to work effectively, manage stress, and contribute to their communities. Workplace stressors, such as excessive workload, bullying, and harassment can significantly harm mental health. This is especially true in high-pressure fields like healthcare, where long hours and emotional strain increase the risk of burnout.

Globally, depression affects 264m people. It’s one of the leading causes of disability. Depression and anxiety disorders together cost the global economy approximately $1trn annually in lost productivity. In demanding professions like healthcare, workplace stressors exacerbate these challenges, negatively impacting those responsible for caring for others.

In one of the studies from Nepal, it was found that the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted significant mental health challenges in the workplace. The same study found that 86 percent of respondents reported moderate stress levels, and 5.2 percent experienced high stress. Additionally, 24.6 percent of participants screened positive for anxiety, while 33.3 percent showed signs of depression. Poor sleep affected 17.5 percent of individuals, and 15.8 percent noted a decrease in their work efficiency.

These findings point to a critical need for regular stress management programs in the workplace.

The stress and mental health issues faced by corporate employees underscore the importance of addressing workplace conditions. A toxic work environment can lead to physical and mental health problems, substance abuse, absenteeism, and reduced productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), promoting mental health in the workplace and providing support to employees can reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and contribute to economic benefits.

Excessive workloads, long hours, and administrative burdens often leave professionals, particularly doctors, with little time to rest and recover. This ongoing pressure can lead to burnout, diminished job satisfaction, and an increased risk of mistakes. Similarly, toxic workplace behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, contribute significantly to poor mental health. These issues, often unaddressed, can lead to anxiety, depression, and even cause professionals to leave their jobs. This not only affects individual well-being but also disrupts team dynamics and reduces the quality of work.

On the other hand, maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential for well-being but is particularly challenging in demanding careers. Professionals often struggle to find time for rest, family, or hobbies, which further contributes to stress and burnout. However, achieving a balance is possible through regular exercise, meditation, and setting clear boundaries between work and personal time.

Maintaining mental health, especially in high-stress industries, requires both individual and organizational efforts. Prioritizing mental health by taking regular breaks, engaging in hobbies, and seeking therapy when necessary can help prevent burnout. Professionals must learn to set boundaries to avoid overwork, such as turning off work emails after hours or taking vacations. Organizations should create environments where employees feel safe discussing mental health without fear of judgment. Access to mental health resources, flexible work hours, and peer support networks are crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is ‘It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’. This theme emphasizes the urgent need for businesses, governments, and individuals to take action to improve mental well-being in professional settings. With over 60 percent of the global population engaged in employment, the workplace has a significant impact on mental health, both positively and negatively.

This year’s campaign focuses on fostering supportive, stigma-free environments where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. Mental health in the workplace is a crucial factor for maintaining a productive and engaged workforce. By addressing stress, bullying, and promoting a healthy work-life balance, organizations and employees can work together to create a supportive environment that fosters well-being and success.

The author is a psychiatrist