The World Health Organization emphasizes that mental health is a universal human right -something that must be accessible to everyone, everywhere, including in the workplace. With mental health challenges contributing to 12 billion lost workdays annually and costing over $1 trillion in lost productivity, it’s critical that we act.
Importance of Mental Health at Work
Risks to mental health at work -known as psychosocial risks– can stem from various factors, including job content, workloads, workplace conditions, and even organizational culture. These risks affect employees across all sectors, particularly in high-pressure environments such as healthcare, emergency response, or during public health crises. According to WHO, more than half of the global workforce operates in informal economies, where regulatory protections are often lacking, leading to even greater mental health vulnerabilities.
Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace
- Under-using skills or being under-skilled for tasks
- Excessive workloads or understaffing
- Long, unsocial, or inflexible hours
- Lack of control over job design or workload
- Unsafe or poor working conditions
- A culture enabling negative behaviors, harassment, or bullying
- Discrimination and exclusion based on race, gender, disability, or other factors
- Job insecurity or inadequate pay
How Can Organizations Take Action?
Employers must address these risks head-on to foster a healthy work environment. Simple actions, like regular check-ins, can create safe spaces where employees feel supported. Asking, “How are you?” and listening to understand can spark conversations that break down the stigma around mental health and strengthen trust within teams. Organizations can take steps to design flexible, inclusive, and supportive working conditions.
💬 Creating a Supportive Workplace
A proactive mental health strategy isn’t just about addressing immediate challenges but about building a culture of empathy and resilience. Offering support through open communication, mental health days, or access to mental health professionals- can reduce stress and increase productivity.
📚 Learn More:
🔹 WHO Mental Health at Work
As we mark World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to creating environments where mental health is prioritized and everyone can thrive. If your organization wants to improve its approach to mental well-being, we’d love to help you take the next step.
💙 Together, we can build a workplace where mental health truly matters.
#MentalHealthDay #WellbeingMatters #InclusiveWorkplace #EmpathyInAction #MentalHealthIsAHumanRight