Boosting Performance: Enhancing Work Productivity Through Mental Health Support.

There’s no question that today’s average worker is under a lot of stress. We’re stepping into a post-pandemic society where so much has changed within the work landscape — no matter what industry you’re in. One survey by the American Institute of Stress found that 83% of people struggle with work-related stress. Many of them listed work as the number one stressor in their lives.

This week’s article is written by the wonderful Katie Brenneman. Thank you, Katie, for writing this for me.

Workplace stress obviously impacts employees. It’s more than a temporary inconvenience. It can lead to mental and physical health issues, burnout, and a lack of motivation. But those issues can negatively affect businesses, too. One of the biggest symptoms of stress is a lack of focus, which can lead to a lack of productivity. Employees might be too distracted or overwhelmed to do their jobs correctly. You might even experience a higher turnover rate.

With that in mind, it’s more important than ever for businesses to examine the relationship between work productivity levels and mental health. Creating a business environment that promotes mental wellness and reduces stress is essential. Whether you’re a company or an employee, understanding how mental health and productivity intertwine is essential.

How Stress Impacts the Workplace

As stated above, stress and mental health issues in the workplace can lead to unhappy employees, burnout, and a lack of productivity. Beyond that, those same mental health issues could end up endangering your employees.

First, stressed individuals are more likely to make mistakes on the job. Not only does that impact productivity, but depending on the industry and their job title, those mistakes could be dangerous or even life-threatening. Stress is distracting, and the last thing any employer wants is for an employee working with heavy machinery, electricity, or other dangerous elements to be so distracted by their overwhelming feelings that it causes an accident.

Furthermore, stress tends to inhibit communication. When your team isn’t actively and effectively communicating with each other, your business will be more prone to production halts and sluggish output.

For those on your team tasked with making big decisions, stress and other mental health issues can get in the way. They might have trouble focusing, or they might be so overwhelmed that they can’t make those decisions promptly, making it harder for production to move forward.

The Remote Revolution

Remote work isn’t necessarily a new addition to the average workplace. But, we saw it rise in popularity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in a post-pandemic world, many employers and employees alike continue to promote and encourage remote work thanks to its many benefits.

Working from home can indeed help with burnout and encourage flexibility. But, it isn’t without its risks or problems. Remote workers can be at risk of feeling isolated. Even if they’re comfortable at home, isolation can lead to issues like:

• Anxiety;

• Depression;

• Physical health issues;

• Increased mortality rate.

Unfortunately, isolation and anxiety can also be cyclical. The more remote workers deal with isolation and a lack of social interaction, the more anxious they’re likely to become. Employees with anxiety may experience difficulties leaving the house, interacting with others, or stepping outside of their comfort zone — all of which may start an endless cycle of even more anxiety and isolation.

Despite being at home, remote workers can also experience burnout. It can be hard to manage your time and stay focused on the job, which can contribute to mental decline, too. So, whether you’re a remote worker or an employer, don’t assume that working from home is a “cure-all” for workplace stress and other mental health issues.

How To Improve Mental Health Support

Thankfully, there are plenty of things employers can do to boost mental health support in and out of the office. Consider the environment you and your employees work in every day. That environment can directly impact the mental well-being and productivity levels of both you and your employees.

What can you do to create a better work environment?

Consider adopting a minimalist workspace to get rid of distractions and improve employee productivity. Without so much chaos and clutter, your team is likely to feel less stressed and overwhelmed.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to check in with your team regularly. You might think things are going well with everyone, but some people are better at hiding their struggles than others. For example, if you have unrealistic expectations of productivity in your workplace, your employees might be suffering from toxic productivity. Some of the signs to be aware of include:

• Employees who feel they always need to be “on”;

• Employees neglect other areas of their lives;

• Team members value their worth based on their work.

By talking directly with your team, you’ll develop a better understanding of their needs and feedback on the overall environment of your business. Additionally, consider encouraging more frequent breaks and flexible schedules. While that might seem counterproductive, you might be surprised by how motivated your employees can become when they don’t feel constantly pressured, stressed, and overwhelmed at work each day. Let your employees know their mental health matters, and they’ll reward you for it.

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specialising in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

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