Today, it’s widely recognized that mental health is a critical component of overall health.
Did you know that mental health also significantly affects work performance?
Yes, mental health can affect how well you perform at your job in several ways.
However, mental health disorders are still stigmatized and often misunderstood. And this can make it difficult for struggling people to get the help they need. It can also make it hard for them to thrive at work.
Psychological issues can make it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, cope with stress, and relate to others. All of these things can hurt work performance.
Mental health disorders can take a toll on work performance in several ways. Read on to explore some of the ways mental health can affect work.
- Absenteeism:
Mental health disorders can lead to increased absenteeism from work. Mental health problems are one of the leading causes of absenteeism. According to the CDC, mental health disorders account for an estimated 50 million lost workdays annually in the United States.
It can majorly impact businesses, as absenteeism can lead to decreased productivity and revenue. It can also strain coworkers, who may have to pick up the slack.
The importance of mental health in the workplace is becoming more and more recognized. And employers are starting to take steps to address mental health in the workplace. Still, there’s a long way to go.
- Presenteeism:
While mental health can affect work, absenteeism is one factor; it’s not the only way. Mental health disorders can also lead to presenteeism when people come to work but cannot perform at their best.
It can seriously impact work performance, leading to errors, accidents, and injuries. It can also lead to decreased productivity and quality of work. Presenteeism is so detrimental because it can be hard to detect. Unlike absenteeism, which is usually pretty obvious, presenteeism can be much more subtle.
It is why it’s important for employers to be aware of the signs of mental health disorders and to create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
- Turnover:
Mental health disorders can also lead to increased turnover. This is when employees leave their jobs because of mental health problems.
It can be costly for businesses and lead to a decrease in morale among other employees. It can also be hard to find and train replacement employees.
Mental health disorders can have a serious impact on work performance. But there are things that businesses can do to address mental health in the workplace.
- Productivity:
Mental health disorders can lead to decreased productivity. Mental health problems can interfere with concentration, memory, and motivation.
It can also strain coworkers, who may have to pick up the slack.
However, remember that productivity is not the only measure of success. And sometimes, people with mental health disorders can be more productive than their counterparts.
- Quality of work:
There can also be a decrease in the quality of work when someone is struggling with a mental health disorder. Mental health problems can interfere with concentration, memory, and motivation.
It can also strain coworkers, who may have to pick up the slack. Quality of work is so important because it can be hard to detect. Unlike absenteeism, which is usually pretty obvious, the quality of work can be much more subtle.
It is why it’s important for employers to be aware of the signs of mental health disorders and to create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
- Engagement:
Mental health disorders can also lead to decreased engagement at work. Some research suggests that people with mental health disorders are less engaged in their work.
The interesting thing about engagement is that it’s not just about doing your job. It’s also about feeling like you’re a part of something larger and your work is meaningful.
There are many ways to create a more engaging work environment. But one of the most important things is to create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
- Motivation:
Imagine a day when you can’t seem to get going. You’re tired, your mind is foggy, and you can’t focus on anything. It is what it can be like for someone with a mental health disorder.
Sometimes, people with mental health disorders can have difficulty finding motivation, leading to decreased productivity.
You can create a more motivating work environment by setting goals, providing feedback, and offering rewards. But one of the most important things is to create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
- Career advancement:
The most successful people are often the ones who can advance in their careers. But for people with mental health disorders, this can be more difficult.
Many studies have shown that people with mental health disorders are less likely to be promoted. And when they are promoted, it’s often at a slower rate.
Among several career choices, individuals with mental health disorders may feel that their job is the only one they are good at and have trouble considering other options, leading to stagnation in their career.
- Work-life balance:
A good work-life balance is one of the most important things for a successful career. But for people with mental health disorders, this can be more difficult.
Mental health disorders can make it hard to stick to a schedule, leading to missed deadlines and a poor work-life balance.
The most important thing you can do to create a good work-life balance is create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
- Stable Income:
People with mental health disorders often have difficulty keeping a steady income. As a result, people with mental health disorders are more likely to live in poverty.
Research suggests that people with mental health disorders are less likely to be employed. And when they are employed, they often make less money.
It is also necessary to create an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help to get the treatment they need.
Bottom Line:
Mental health disorders can have a serious impact on work performance. But there are things that businesses can do to address mental health in the workplace. By creating a support system and raising awareness, businesses can create a more positive work environment for everyone. Remember, productive employees are not the only measure of success. And sometimes, people with mental health disorders can be more productive than their counterparts. But the most important thing
