Mental health issues at the workplace: Key factors & what can help

Summary: Mental health challenges at work, like stress, anxiety, and burnout, are often driven by long hours, heavy workloads and constant pressure. Employers can help by promoting open communication, offering mental health support, and encouraging work-life balance to enhance productivity.  

Mental health in the workplace is no longer a buzzword—it’s a growing concern affecting everyone from junior employees to senior executives. With long working hours, demanding tasks, and ongoing performance pressure, it’s no surprise that mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, around 59% of Australian workers experience significant stress. But here’s the good news: By identifying the root causes and taking proactive action, we can foster a healthier, happier, and more productive work culture for everyone.  

Key factors contributing to mental health issues at work

• Lack of work-life balance: The challenge of stepping away from work, particularly with remote work and flexible schedules, can leave employees feeling fatigued and mentally exhausted, impacting their personal lives and emotional health.  
• Work-related stress: Excessive workloads, strict deadlines, and continuous performance pressure may overwhelm employees, contributing to persistent stress, fatigue, and anxiety.  
• Toxic workplace culture: A hostile work atmosphere dominated by harassment, partiality, or disrespect can contribute to feelings of isolation, depression, and disconnection.  
• Weak management and communication: Poor leadership, unclear guidelines, and lack of emotional support can cause frustration, confusion, and stress among employees.  
• Job instability: Worries about job loss or unstable work conditions can lead to stress and unease, making employees feel unsupported and disengaged. 
• Lack of appreciation and support: When employees feel disregarded or undervalued, it may result in reduced motivation, self-doubt, and mental health issues.  

Also read: Manage Stress At Work Dos And Donts To Prevent Burnout

Common mental health issues seen in the workplace

• Chronic stress  
• Anxiety 
• Sleep disorders 
• Depression 
• Burnout 
• Substance abuse 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

What influences mental health at work

• Workload and job demand 
• Professional connections 
• Management and leadership 
• Job security 
• Work atmosphere 
• Work-life balance 
• Recognition and support 

How to address mental health issues in the workplace?

1. Encourage open dialogue: Foster discussions around mental health to diminish stigma and cultivate a supportive culture. 
2. Provide mental health support: Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling access, and wellness initiatives. 
3. Promote work-life balance: Advocate for flexible hours, regular downtime, and realistic workload expectations to avert burnout. 
4. Train managers on mental health awareness: Equip leaders with the tools to support their teams and identify signs of distress. 
5. Foster a positive workplace: Address stress factors, implement anti-harassment policies, and advocate for equity. 
6. Regularly check in: Conduct mental health assessments, deliver support, and make necessary changes to enhance well-being. 

Also read: Stress Leave From Work - The Importance Of Mental Health Days

What to do when your work is affecting your mental health?

1. Recognise your emotions: Be aware of the signs of stress, anxiety, or burnout. If you find yourself frequently feeling overwhelmed, drained, or disinterested, it’s time to take action. 
2. Determine the sources of stress: Identify which aspects of your job are causing you distress. This might include a heavy workload, difficult coworkers, lack of appreciation, or unrealistic goals. 
3. Establish boundaries: Try to refrain from bringing work home and set clear work hours. Learn to decline excessive tasks and delegate responsibilities when necessary. 
4. Make self-care a priority: Allocate time for activities that help you unwind, like exercising, meditating, engaging in hobbies, or spending time with friends. Eating nutritious foods and getting adequate sleep can also bolster your resilience to stress. 
5. Reach out for support: Discuss your concerns with a trusted coworker, supervisor, or HR representative. If your workplace has an employee assistance program (EAP), consider utilising counselling services. 
6. Think about taking time off: If stress becomes unmanageable, consider taking a break, which can be either a short vacation or a mental health day. A temporary pause can help you recharge and gain perspective. 
7. Consider long-term solutions: If your work environment remains consistently harmful to your mental health, think about seeking new job opportunities or career paths that better align with your well-being. 
8. Seek professional help: If job-related stress is severely affecting your mental health, reach out to a therapist or counsellor who can offer coping strategies and guidance. 

When to get mental health support 

Online mental health care plans in Australia

Signs that a work colleague needs help

1. Behavioural changes: A typically sociable coworker becomes isolated, irritable, or unusually quiet. 
2. Drop in work performance: Frequent errors missed deadlines, or a lack of motivation in tasks. 
3. Increased absenteeism: Regular sick days, tardiness, or unexplained absences from work. 
4. Physical indicators of stress: Tiredness, headaches, weight fluctuations, or neglecting personal grooming. 
5. Emotional turmoil: Mood fluctuations, tearfulness, or indications of anxiety and frustration. 
6. Difficulty focusing: Forgetfulness, indecision, or seeming preoccupied. 
7. Alterations in social interactions: Evading meetings, conflicts with colleagues, or excessive grievances. 
8. Expressing feelings of being overwhelmed: Voicing hopelessness, burnout, or making concerning remarks about their wellness. 

Supporting someone at work

• Listen with an open mind: Allow them to express their emotions without interruption or rushing to provide solutions. 
• Regular check-in: A brief “How are you?” can help establish a safe environment for them to open up. 
• Encourage seeking professional assistance: Recommend reaching out to HR, utilising employee support programs, or considering therapy if necessary. 
• Provide tangible help: Offer to lighten their workload if possible or aid in locating beneficial resources. 
• Honour their confidentiality: Keep their issues private and refrain from discussing their situation with others. 
• Promote a nurturing work atmosphere: Advocate for breaks, collaboration, and a culture that prioritises mental health. 

Creating a mentally healthy workplace goes beyond providing support—it’s about cultivating a culture where employees feel heard, valued, and balanced. By fostering open communication, offering mental health resources, and promoting work-life balance, employers can minimise stress and improve overall well-being. A little compassion can make a big difference in developing a thriving, productive work atmosphere!