How to promote mental health and wellbeing at work to boost productivity

By Dr Ryan Copeland, Regional Medical Director, Assistance, Europe, Middle East & Africa at International SOS

The increasing rate of stress and anxiety in the workplace is evident, with around 40% of the workforce reporting stress levels that have increasingly affected their ability to perform^[i]. By fostering an environment where mental health resilience is a priority, employees are empowered and educated to address the challenges affecting their wellbeing.

International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, calls on organisations to take proactive steps in addressing the mental health challenges of employees and has identified the frequent mental health-related requests it has received from workforces worldwide across various sectors over the past three years^[ii]. These include support and assistance for:

1. Anxiety: Intense and excessive fear and distress, often accompanied by physical tension.
2. Depression: A mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or a loss of interest. It can significantly affect an employee’s emotions, behaviour, and physical health.
3. Panic Disorder: A condition in which an employee experiences repeated, unexpected panic attacks and constantly worries about when the next one might occur.

There is a strong link between mental health and physical wellbeing. When an employee experiences prolonged workplace stress, it leads to an increase in anxiety-inducing hormones. This continuous pressure can leave employees feeling fatigued and drained and, ultimately, may contribute to burnout. Without strong support, mental health conditions can significantly affect an individual’s self-confidence, job satisfaction, and ability to flourish in the workplace.

Five key points for organisations to implement proactive strategies to address stress and anxiety in the workforce:

• SUPPORT
  Cultivate a supportive workplace culture: Build an environment that values open dialogue and mutual support. Encourage employees to openly discuss their stress levels and create a safe space for them to voice concerns without fear of judgment or consequences.
• BALANCE
  Encourage a healthy work-life balance and introduce flexible work options: Reevaluate time-off policies to better accommodate employees’ mental health needs. Support employees in taking regular breaks and establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time.
• ASSESS
  Implement regular stress evaluations: Routinely measure stress levels within the organisation using surveys, feedback sessions, and health screenings. Analyse the data to identify sources of stress and introduce focused measures to address them.
• ASSIST
  Provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Ensure that mental health resources, such as stress management workshops, counselling services, and mental health hotlines, are readily available and easily accessible to all employees.
• TRAIN
  Provide managers with mental health first-aid training: Equip managers with the skills to recognise signs of distress and offer initial support to employees who may be experiencing mental health challenges.

As workplace stress and anxiety continue to rise, it is imperative that organisations take proactive steps to support the mental wellbeing of their employees. By prioritising mental health resilience and fostering an environment where open communication and support are encouraged, businesses can empower their workforce to manage the challenges they face.

Organisations that actively support their exmployee’ mental health see not only significant improvements in retention rates, but also benefit from improved employee engagement and productivity.

International SOS underscores the importance of addressing anxiety, depression, and panic disorders, which are among the most common mental health concerns impacting employees globally. Ultimately, by investing in mental health, organisations not only support the wellbeing of their employees but also foster a more productive, engaged, and resilient workforce.

References:

• _{[i] IPSOS | World Mental Health Day 2024 | Global Advisor Survey}
• [ii] _{International SOS Assistance Tracker (2022 – 2024)}