There are a few issues I see around Mental Health in the Workplace …
- Some companies prioritize this to “check a box” and aren’t actually providing helpful resources for true change and transformation.
- Some companies hop on the bandwagon because it’s trending and aren’t invoking change from the top down in their workplace culture. Instead they speak about it and provide stipends and resources but aren’t walking the walk.
- Some companies aren’t onboard at all and this is the worst position to be in of all and in this article it’s my aim to prove to you why it’s crucial to invest in the mental health of your employees, your company culture and for the world at large.
First and foremost, mental health is at the core of performance. If your employees aren’t feeling well in their mental and emotional bodies, they’ll never be able to perform at their best. AND on a more human level, it’s just the right thing to do to provide resources for the people in your organization to feel good. We’re not just cogs in a wheel, we’re people and we should be treated as such.
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, mental health has emerged as a crucial component of overall well-being. As a leading expert in mental health, I am keenly aware of the significant impact it can have on workplace dynamics, employee morale, and organizational success. In this article, we’ll explore why prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential, how it can reduce attrition rates, improve employee morale, and provide recent statistics and studies to underscore its importance in 2024.
The Current Landscape of Mental Health
In the contemporary world, the landscape of mental health is both complex and dynamic. As societal norms evolve and pressures mount in various facets of life, mental well-being has become a paramount concern. From the stresses of daily life to the unique challenges posed by the digital age, individuals are navigating a multitude of factors that can impact their mental health.
“Anxiety is the #1 Disability per the World Health Organization” (WHO).
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how mental health is perceived and addressed. The stigma surrounding mental illness is gradually diminishing, thanks to increased awareness and advocacy efforts. People are more willing to discuss their mental health struggles openly, seeking support and resources to cope with their challenges.
“90% of the public think there is a mental health crisis in the United States today.” (American Psychological Association)
However, alongside this progress, new stressors have emerged, particularly in the workplace. The modern professional environment is characterized by intense competition, tight deadlines, and constant connectivity, all of which can take a toll on mental well-being. Burnout, anxiety, and depression are increasingly common among employees, highlighting the need for proactive measures to promote mental health in the workplace.
“Despite nearly 60% of U.S. employees encountering mental health symptoms, a staggering 8 in 10 workers refrained from seeking help due to fear and shame.” (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Employers are beginning to recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health for their workforce. Beyond the ethical imperative of supporting employees’ well-being, there is a growing understanding of the business case for investing in mental health initiatives. Organizations that prioritize mental health experience lower turnover rates, higher productivity levels, and better overall employee satisfaction.
“Employers that support mental health see a return of $4 for every dollar invested in mental health treatment.” (National Safety Council)
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st-century world, it is crucial to take stock of the current landscape of mental health. By acknowledging the challenges individuals face and working collaboratively to promote mental well-being, we can create healthier, more resilient communities and workplaces. Through education, advocacy, and proactive intervention, we can build a future where mental health is prioritized, supported, and safeguarded for all.
“85% of workers reported the workplace itself affects their mental health and well-being.” (National Safety Council)
Why Prioritize Mental Health?
Gone are the days when mental health was brushed aside as a secondary concern in the workplace. Employers and employees alike are realizing that mental health is not only vital for personal well-being but also for professional success. Prioritizing mental health fosters a supportive work environment, reduces stress levels, enhances productivity, and encourages a positive company culture.
Reduced Attrition Rates
Attrition refers to the gradual reduction in the size or strength of a workforce or customer base as a result of voluntary resignations, retirements, or other forms of disengagement. It can also encompass the loss of customers or clients over time. Attrition is often measured as a percentage and is a key metric used to assess employee or customer retention rates.
High attrition rates can indicate underlying issues such as dissatisfaction among employees or customers, poor management practices, or a lack of competitive advantages in the market. Addressing attrition is important for businesses to maintain a stable and productive workforce, as well as to sustain revenue growth and profitability.
One of the most significant benefits of prioritizing mental health in the workplace is the reduction in attrition rates. Employees who feel supported and valued by their employers are more likely to stay with the company long-term. According to recent studies, organizations that invest in mental health initiatives experience lower turnover rates, saving considerable costs associated with recruitment and training.
Improved Employee Morale
A focus on mental health sends a powerful message to employees that their well-being matters. When employees feel cared for and supported, their morale and job satisfaction soar. Happier employees are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work, leading to increased productivity and better overall performance.
Recent Statistics and Studies
Recent statistics and studies further highlight the importance of mental health in the workplace. One of the latest articles I’ve seen was recently published by SHRM. SHRM stands for The Society for Human Resources Management. SHRM is the association for HR professionals and one of the largest associations that addresses mental health in the workplace.
Here’s a link to an article SHRM published in January of 2024 entitled “Why Mental Health Will Be One of the Biggest Topics in 2024”. Below are just a few bullets from highlights that I thought you may find fascinating from this article:
- “Well over half of employees (57 percent) are experiencing at least moderate levels of burnout”
- “Mental and emotional wellness will be a massive topic, especially as we’re going into an election year.”
- “People who are stressed are less productive, and not only are they less productive, but you have things like higher levels of absenteeism and irritability in the workplace, which sometimes behaviorally creates a toxic culture and can certainly create employee relations issues.”
- “Burned-out employees are less likely to go above and beyond for customers or clients, so you really do have a downstream impact on your company’s performance.”
- “… on top of that, people who are burned out will think about leaving their job…”
- “Many employees are telling us that they would actually prefer more time off for personal care than even a pay raise. That’s how important self-care and having the company commit to wellness is to them.”
At the end of the day, we must find ways to relate to one another on a human to human level.
Just Breathe.
As a busy professional navigating the complexities of the modern workplace, prioritizing mental health is not just a luxury but a necessity. By recognizing the importance of mental well-being, organizations can create a supportive environment where employees thrive personally and professionally. Investing in mental health initiatives not only reduces attrition rates and improves employee morale but also enhances overall productivity and success. As an expert in mental health, I urge employers to prioritize the well-being of their workforce and reap the myriad benefits it brings to both individuals and the organization as a whole.
Now is the time to address the mental health of your culture and if you aren’t doing so already, consider this statistic …
“The average annual health care cost for a person with major depression is $10,836.” (Business Wire)
My intention isn’t to urge businesses to address mental health to improve their bottom line, it really isn’t. Yet, unfortunately demonstrating the ROI is sometimes the way to get the attention needed. Consider your return on investment over $10,000 for any given employee and realize that 20% may already or will experience depression in the near future.
“Nearly 1 in 5 US adults have been diagnosed with depression.” (CDC)
I have a solution for you if you’re ready to actually take a stand and not just check the boxes … It’s called the SOUL/Life Breath Club.
This Breath Club is about connecting with one another and leaning into the deeper emotions we are facing (or sometimes neglecting) to increase our overall mental well-being. The power of this community is being able to share in real time on a daily basis.
The Breath Club is aimed at providing a variety of Breathwork exercises that you can use on a daily basis to relieve stress, anxiety and overwhelm as well as teach the foundations of activating Breathwork exercises to give you a natural boost of energy, confidence, clarity and help connect you with your creative energy on a deeper level.
“48 percent said they have confidence in their employers caring about them in 2023—down from 56 percent in 2022 and 59 percent in 2021.” (Aflac WorkForces Report)
The intention behind these lessons, modalities and the SLB community is about reframing one’s relationship with work and life.
… it’s about waking up to the fact that work and life require the archetypal energy of Yang.
… whereas one’s own mental, physical, and emotional well-being is tied to the archetypal energy of Yin. Said another way, Yin = Soul and to address mental health what’s needed is a balance of the energies of Yin and Yang.
The Breath Club is about putting yourself first and foremost to address your mental health.
In the SOUL/Life Breath Club, we provide the lessons on how to practice SOUL/Life Balance on a daily basis. There’s no end destination. This is a practice of coming back to where you’re at, owning where you’re at and tapping into the modalities and practices provided in this community to regulate your nervous system and reprogram subconscious limiting beliefs into empowering limitless beliefs.
You can learn more about the SOUL/Life Breath Club on the link here or by emailing me at Sam@SamKabert.com.
Thank you for your interest in making this world a more positive place and for committing to provide true resources for mental health in the workplace.
Just Breathe,
Sam.
Sam Kabert is a certified yoga instructor, breathwork facilitator, podcaster, and public speaker. His book, “SOUL/Life Balance,” is a No. 1 bestseller. Learn more about his work at SamKabert.com.
At 31 years old, Sam made Silicon Valley’s 40 under 40 list recognizing his serial entrepreneur drive and million dollar business. Externally, Sam appeared successful. Internally, he was falling apart.
In 2019, a ruptured relationship revealed feelings of overwhelm that had been numbed by decades of indulgence in food, alcohol, and business achievements. Ego aside, he embraced a path of self-discovery, spirituality, and soul purpose. An intentional journey that’s culminated in a proven, minutes-long, 6 Step B.R.E.A.T.H. Process that now helps “busy professionals” access inner peace and “Overcome The Overwhelm,” the title of his 6th book.
Passionate about bridging the gap between workplace culture and mental health, Sam’s mission is to teach accessible tools that overcome overwhelm. His ultimate goal is to help eradicate the glorification of Hustle Culture, while encouraging an expansion of Compassionate Leadership.