Mental health issues are a growing concern around the world and they impact employee engagement, productivity, and reputation. Mental health is estimated to cost £1652 per employee per year. It’s perhaps no surprise that a recent survey from the American Psychological Association shows that 80% of US workers want their employer to support their mental health. What’s more, they will actively consider this support when looking at job opportunities in the future.
“These findings underscore the importance of mental health support in the workplace to workers across all industries,” the researchers say. “Some of the increased focus on workplace mental health support may have resulted from employers working to meet employees’ needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though these efforts have been helpful, it is important to recognize many workers continue to struggle and need additional supports. Therefore employers must maintain and, in some cases, expand their mental health service offerings.”
Cost of living
The survey revealed an understandably high level of stress in the workplace, ranging from compensation and the cost of living through to discrimination and harassment. Indeed, around a quarter said that they didn’t feel their compensation was adequate, with the high rate of inflation the primary factor.
What’s more, those who felt this way were almost twice as likely to think that their work was having a negative impact on their mental health as peers who were satisfied with their compensation levels. This typically manifested itself in feelings of tension and stress.
Sadly, nearly 20% of respondents said that their workplace was toxic in some way, with verbal abuse, harassment, and even physical violence common. This was most likely among Black and Latino workers, with younger workers also more likely to feel scared than their older peers.
“It’s the responsibility of the employer to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees while at work”, the researchers conclude. “There is always more that can be done.”
