Why companies need to care about the mental wellbeing of their staff

As companies continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the modern workforce, one aspect that has become increasingly important is the mental well-being of employees.

With the rise of mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is increasingly important for companies to realize that the workplace is a big part of people's mental health. We do spend a large part of our waking hours at work, after all.

Many people think that increasing flexibility at work, such as working from home, means that people will be happier. And, of course, for those who can use this flexibility to their advantage, it has massive benefits. However, there is also a downside to not being as connected to our teams and colleagues as we used to be. It is harder to notice if somebody is slipping down into a depression when they are isolating themselves at home and only working through their screens. People themselves might not even notice the effect that working in their pajamas all day might have on them. Even though at first, it might seem like a sweet gig.

Apart from the obvious human answer that it's the right thing to do to care about other people, one of the main reasons why companies should care about the mental well-being of their staff is the impact it has on productivity.

Studies have shown that employees who are struggling with mental health issues are more likely to take time off work, be less productive while on the job, and have a higher risk of burnout.

By providing a work environment that supports employees and their well-being, companies can improve productivity and reduce the negative impact that mental health issues can have on the workplace.

Another important reason is the impact it has on employee retention. Employees who feel supported and valued by their employer are more likely to stay with the company long-term. On the other hand, employees who feel unsupported and neglected are more likely to leave the company, leading to high turnover rates and the need to constantly train new employees. This is especially important in times of "The Big Resignation" and "Quiet Quitting." If you want to keep your talent, you need to care about and for them.

In short, a happy team is a productive team that sticks with you for the long run.

Many companies are waking up to this fact and are actively implementing well-being programs for their staff, including employee assistance programs, providing mental health days, and promoting a culture of openness and support.

Much like greenwashing, there are many companies that are "mental health washing" because they let people leave 30 minutes early on a Friday evening.

However, companies who are serious about implementing long-term actions that will positively affect their employee's mental health can look to the science of Positive Psychology for answers.

The factors that contribute to our well-being - positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement - can and should be implemented at work just as much as at home.

In the long term, the companies that manage to create a positive work environment will be the ones retaining the best talent with the highest productivity. And the others, who decide that "employee well-being is not a priority right now," will eventually go the way of the dodo.