Mental well-being within the workplace

Mental well-being is a critical part of both health and productivity at work. Poor mental well-being can have a significant impact on an employee's performance, as well as their ability to stay with the same organisation.

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From absenteeism to decreased motivation, this article will explore how poor mental well-being can negatively influence employee performance and retention. It will also provide insights into how organisations can support employees who are in need of help in order to maintain workplace productivity.

Employee performance and retention have become major talking points in the modern workplace. Poor mental well-being can have a detrimental impact on an employee's ability to work efficiently and stay with their company, but many employers are unaware of the full extent of this impact. Research has identified numerous ways in which poor mental well-being can hurt both individual performance and overall team morale, making it essential for employers to be aware of these issues to ensure their employees are supported and motivated.

Mental illness is an increasingly prominent issue in the workplace, with growing numbers of employees suffering from stress, depression and anxiety. Recent figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have revealed that mental illness has become the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK. In 2020, 15.4 million working days were lost as a result of work-related stress, depression or anxiety – equating to an average of 25.8 days lost per employee over the year.

In our modern world of work, presenteeism – the practice of attending work despite illness – has become increasingly common. In a drive to demonstrate their commitment and loyalty, many workers may be tempted to try and work through any periods of sickness or ill health. However, this is not always an advisable approach as it can have a detrimental effect on productivity.

Mental health is an important issue in the modern workforce. In fact, The Harvard Business Review recently reported that 60% of people have experienced symptoms of mental health issues in the past year alone. This data demonstrates how widespread mental health problems are across the nation, and shows how important it is for employees to receive adequate support. It's also important to note that not all employees with mental health issues will be clinically diagnosed - many people experience psychological distress without being officially diagnosed.

Mental well-being is an important aspect of any workplace, and employee retention can be greatly improved when employers make it a priority. Strategies for improving mental well-being in the workplace are essential for retaining current employees and attracting new talent. When employers invest in creating healthy working environments with positive mental health policies, they can reduce stress levels and create a supportive culture that encourages job satisfaction and loyalty. 

Employers should strive to implement strategies that focus on preventive measures to ensure their employees are mentally healthy. This could include offering resources such as counselling services or providing opportunities for employees to engage in activities that promote self-care like yoga classes or meditation sessions. Providing access to mental health days as part of the vacation policy is another way to show support for employees’ well-being and allow them time off if needed.

Mental Well-being HYBRID is a new way of working that combines the benefits of remote working with the performance needs of employers. This innovative approach to work-life balance has become increasingly important and necessary as more people work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental Wellbeing HYBRID provides an opportunity for employees to remain productive in their roles while also having access to resources that help them stay mentally healthy.

The goal of Mental Wellbeing HYBRID is to provide a secure and flexible environment where workers can access the support they need while still being able to perform their duties with efficiency and effectiveness. By leveraging both virtual technology and personalised coaching, workers are equipped with the tools and strategies needed for success in this ever-changing workplace.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Counselling Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Wantage OX12 & Rickmansworth WD3
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Written by Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, Offering Counselling, CBT, Hypnotherapy, EMDR & Mindfulness.
Wantage OX12 & Rickmansworth WD3

Ian Stockbridge is the founder and lead counsellor at Hope Therapy and Counselling Services. 

As an experienced Counsellor, Ian recognised a huge societal need for therapeutic services that were often not being met. As such the 'Hope Agency'was born and its counselling team now offers counselling and therapeutic support throughout the UK.

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