THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK

Good working standards are an important contributor to mental health. Nevertheless, a report published by the World Health Organization suggests that poor working environments – with excessive workloads, low job security, low job control and discrimination and inequality – all pose a risk to the mental health of millions of workers globally.

The report suggests that some 12 billion working days are lost annually to anxiety and depression, costing businesses around $1 trillion a year in lost productivity. However, as the World Health Organization points out, there are steps employers can take to prevent mental health risks and support workers with mental health conditions.

With 60% of the global population in work, healthy and safe working environments are a fundamental human right. As well as protecting worker welfare, promoting and protecting the mental health of employees has direct benefits for employers too, minimising tension and conflicts in the workplace, improving workplace morale, increasing staff retention, and enhancing productivity and performance. Ultimately, taking care of the workforce is good for business – and businesses that invest in their staff are more profitable.

The report suggests that some 12 billion working days are lost annually to anxiety and depression, costing businesses around $1 trillion a year in lost productivity.

You can learn about the importance of companies putting in place frameworks to protect the mental health of employees by visiting the blog of Mark Lyttleton.