Nicole Hoffmann, PLMHP, ATR-P- January 31, 2022
Everyone has struggled with workplace stress at some point in their lives. Mental health issues can impact employee wellbeing and health, while also impacting organizations’ productivity. Psychosocial stresses in the workplace, such as job uncertainty, low control, poor management, harassment or bullying, poor communication and long hours have been shown to affect employee mental health. Negative working environments can lead to physical and mental health problems, substance use, absenteeism, low morale and lost productivity. It is important for workplaces to promote mental health awareness, de-stigmatize mental illness and support employees with mental disorders. Employers must also help protect mental health by reducing work-related risk factors, creating positive aspects of work and developing employee strengths, as well as responding to mental health problems when they occur. Simply informing staff that support is available, involving employees in decision making, and recognizing and rewarding the contribution of employees can greatly affect the mental health and morale of an entire organization. Here are some steps employees can take to maintain mental health in the workplace: 1.Maintain good communication with coworkers and supervisors. It is important to let your coworkers and/or supervisors know when you are struggling or need a break. Forming strong relationships with others at work enables people to work as a cohesive unit and support each other. Teamwork makes the dream work. 2.Practice self-care. It is important to practice self-care when not at work. By finding ways to relax or focus on hobbies that bring you joy, you will be able to recharge and return to work rested and focused. 3.Seek additional support when you need it. Talking to family and friends is usually very helpful, but when you need additional support in an especially stressful environment, it is vital to reach out to a licensed professional. Talking to someone who is unbiased can provide clarity and help you see what is needed to reduce work-related stress and anxiety. 4.Make hard decisions when necessary. If you follow all these steps and still feel extremely stressed out at work, it might be time to consider a job change. While leaving a job is never easy, changing your career path or pursuing other interests may be the best thing for your mental health.
Each therapist at Creative Counseling and Studio is trained to help with workplace stress and anxiety. For more information, please visit https://www.creativecounselingandstudio.com or call (402) 401-4445. Sources: Paterson, C., Leduc, C., Maxwell, M. et al. Evidence for implementation of interventions to promote mental health in the workplace: a systematic scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 10, 41 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01570-9 WHO. Mental health in the workplace [Internet]. WHO. World Health Organization; 2019. Available from: http://www.who.int/mental_health/in_the_workplace/en/
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