Workplace mental health: Most of us dedicate the majority of our week to work, putting in eight hours a day, five days a week. A job can offer purpose, financial security, and a circle of people to talk to. It can also pile on deadlines, expectations, and, at times, burnout. That’s why looking after mental health at work matters just as much as looking after your back or your eyesight.
Why does workplace mental health matter?
When your mind’s in a good place, you feel less stressed, think clearly, and actually enjoy your job more. Teams thrive when people feel well: productivity, creativity, and loyalty rise. When mental health suffers, you’ll see more sick days and a dip in team spirit.
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Common challenges that can disturb workplace mental health:
Before we talk about solutions, let’s recognise the common problems:
- Heavy workload and unrealistic deadlines.
- Poor communication between staff and managers.
- Lack of work-life balance.
- Job insecurity or unclear roles.
- Toxic work culture (bullying, favouritism, gossip).
- Stigma around mental health.
Signs of poor workplace mental health:
Both employers and employees should watch out for these red flags:
- High absenteeism.
- Constant fatigue or low energy.
- Sudden drop in performance.
- Increased conflicts or irritability.
- Withdrawal from team activities.
Practical ways to improve workplace mental health:
Having open conversations: Stigma is one of the biggest obstacles to seeking mental health support. Many employees stay silent, worried they’ll be judged or considered weak. Managers can counter such fears by speaking openly about stress and challenges and by normalising asking for help or taking mental health days.
Offer flexible work options: Rigid schedules can add unnecessary stress. If possible, allow flexible working hours so that employees can manage personal needs. You can even provide remote or hybrid options for the job. Trust employees to manage the time instead of micromanaging.
Manage workload fairly: Overwork is a major cause of burnout. You should set realistic goals and deadlines, distribute work evenly among the team, encourage taking breaks, and not glorify working late.
Train managers to support mental health: Managers play a crucial role in employees’ well-being. Train them to recognise early signs of stress or burnout and to respond with empathy, not judgement. A supportive manager can make a significant difference in whether an employee stays in their job or leaves it.
Create a rest space: Even small changes in the workplace environment can help. Quiet rooms for short breaks and outdoor spaces for fresh air are important. Encourage regular breaks, as they boost energy and reduce mental fatigue.
What employees can do to maintain workplace mental health:
Build micro-breaks into your day (stand, stretch, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, refill water) to reset focus and reduce fatigue. Furthermore, set a clear “shutdown” time and switch off work notifications. Share your norms with your team and stick to them. These small boundaries prevent digital creep, improve sleep, and help you show up sharper the next day.
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Better mental health at work goes way beyond fewer absences. It’s about creating a place where people feel good, do their best work, and want to stay. Prioritise mental health and you can notice a change in the workplace environment and performance.
