The spotlight on mental health awareness in the last few years has been refreshing with it becoming much more acceptable discussing mental health issues than it was a few years ago. However, it is still evident that mental health in the workplace is not only distressing for those who are suffering, it also dramatically affects productivity and performance.
In fact, according to the World Health Organisation, 15% of working age adults live with a mental health disorder which costs the global economy $1 trillion dollars a year in lost productivity. This has lead to the WHO to develop Guidelines on Mental Health at Work and a Mental Health at work: Policy brief to encourage and advise businesses to implement recommendations to promote mental health, prevent mental health and enable people with mental health conditions to thrive in the workplace.
How does mental health affect performance?
Mental health can refer to a range of issues that people may be struggling with, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bereavement or PTSD. Consequently, the way that mental health can affect performance varies, depending on what the person is suffering from.
Absence
If you struggle with your mental health, you may occasionally need to be off work because of how you are feeling. This can have an impact on team performance and put extra strain on co-workers. However, it is important that you don’t feel pressurised to return to work too early and make sure your workplace takes the matter seriously and offers their support. This support should continue when you return to work after a period of absence as well as your managers being proactive by checking in to see you are feeling.
Communication Issues
If you suffer from mental health issues, particularly anxiety issues, you may find communication difficult, which can not only affect performance, but it can also affect your career progression. Businesses need to recognise this and put measures in to support you if you find communication more challenging than others so you can make a positive contribution.
Concentration and workload issues
When dealing with mental health issues, it can be difficult to stay focused and concentrate for long periods of time because of anxious or intrusive thoughts or dealing with compulsions. This can have a huge impact on your performance, and it could put you more at risk of burning out as you strive to keep on top of your workload as well as coping with your condition. It is imperative that employers offer an open and non-stigmatized culture to allow employees the opportunity to share that they need more support in the workplace.
Time management and stress
Every job involves a certain amount of stress, so caring employers need to be aware of, and put support in place, to help you with time management and stress. If not, it could make your condition worse and lead to longer periods of absence.
Handling feedback
Most jobs involve a certain amount of feedback on performance and quality of work through monthly reviews and annual appraisals, but this can be particularly stressful if you suffer with mental health issues. Businesses need to find ways of giving feedback so that it is constructive and purposeful, without making your condition worse by giving people poor performance reviews without having a full understanding of their valued employees' personal circumstances.
Treating employees with respect, dignity and genuine care will result in improved performance, increased loyalty and greater company reward.
If you are struggling with any issues around the workplace and want a safe, confidential space to talk them through, I am here to offer personalised counselling in Epsom, Surrey, and online. Please do get in touch at any time. As I always say to my valued clients it all starts with a conversation.