8 mental health issues that need more attention in the workplace

We gathered insights from eight professionals, including founders and human resource managers, to shed light on the often overlooked aspects of mental health issues in the workplace. Their perspectives range from addressing invisible burnout to tackling depression.

Address Invisible Burnout 

One of the most overlooked aspects of workplace mental health is the phenomenon of “invisible burnout.” It’s not just about being visibly tired or disengaged. It’s about the internal struggle, the dwindling sense of purpose, and the suppressed feelings of inadequacy that many don’t vocalize.

As a life coach, I’ve worked with many professionals who excel on the surface, but deep down, they struggle with feelings of disconnect and alienation. Often, one isn’t overwhelmed by tasks, but by a lack of emotional connection and recognition.

Companies need to cultivate a culture where employees can express not only their professional ambitions but also their emotional and psychological needs and issues. This nuanced understanding can help redefine the overall workplace well-being.

Bayu Prihandito, Psychology Expert, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture

Discover the Impact of Hyperconnectivity 

In 2023, there’s a growing expectation for employees to be constantly available, responding to emails and messages even outside of standard working hours. The blurring of work-life boundaries can elevate stress levels, lead to burnout, and cause other mental health concerns. 

Colleagues can feel overwhelmed, struggle to disconnect, and find it difficult to find time for themselves. It’s essential for employers to recognize this challenge and establish boundaries that respect personal time. They should set designated “offline hours” during which employees are encouraged not to check work-related emails or messages.

Eugenia Syrytsia, HR Expert, Recruiter, Editorial.Link

Discuss Micro-Stressors

Daily “micro-stressors” in the workplace can impact health.

While many organizations have become more aware of stress factors, such as heavy workloads or job insecurity, they often underestimate the cumulative effect of minor daily stresses. These micro-stressors can include conflicts with colleagues, uncertainty about roles, frequent interruptions, or even poorly designed workspaces.

Individually, these factors may seem insignificant. However, over time, they can cause chronic stress, burnout, and decreased productivity. Because they are subtle in nature, employees may not even realize that these are sources of their anxiety or unease, making them harder to address or communicate about.

Organizations must create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing not only major concerns but also these subtle stressors. By identifying and mitigating micro-stressors, companies can cultivate a mentally resilient workforce and ultimately improve overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Jacob Maslow, Owner, Rest Equation

Recognize and Accommodate Workplace Anxiety

Workplace environments often fail to recognize anxiety. While many have understood mental health issues like depression and provide employees with healing spaces, the same cannot be said for anxiety. 

Employees are increasingly collaborating to identify when a colleague needs help and providing a supportive environment. However, anxiety can make certain tasks feel impossible, and it’s challenging when employers and managers fail to recognize this. Strict quotas and deadlines, no matter how lenient, can induce stress and negatively impact an employee’s mental health. 

In the travel industry, for instance, employees are often required to travel to new places, engage in different situations, and interact with strangers. If any of my employees feel uncomfortable with these tasks or prefer not to travel alone, we accommodate them.

Aiden Higgins, Senior Editor and Writer, The Broke Backpacker 

Focus on Overwork and Crunching

Crunching and overwork are some of the most overlooked concerns within the workplace that lead to mental health issues. The reason? It is often required so that a company may stay operational at a lower cost. This issue deserves a spotlight for its pivotal role in employee burnout. Organizations must acknowledge this issue by strategically allocating appropriate resources to tasks and introducing a modicum of flexibility in work hours and days.

Giving employees the freedom to set work hours acknowledges their different needs. This helps create a healthier work atmosphere. Flexible schedules improve work-life balance and lower stress. Finally, by allocating the right resources, you assure your employees aren’t dumped with an excess workload, which would dampen productivity and lead to elevated stress.

Phil McParlane, Founder and CEO, 4dayweek.io

Promote Open Discussions on Mental Health

Not talking about mental health openly is still an issue for many workplaces, and it’s something that all senior management should look into (if they’re not already) to foster an environment of openness and sharing in relation to mental health in order to assist teams when they need help.

Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll

Navigate the Emotional Aftermath of COVID-19

One aspect of mental health in the workplace that often goes unnoticed, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, is the lingering emotional toll the pandemic has taken on employees. 

In 13 years running FlyNumber, the unique challenges of this period have underscored the need for a more compassionate approach. Many are still dealing with anxiety, stress, and burnout, even as we return to a semblance of normalcy. These hidden struggles require leaders to be proactive in recognizing and addressing them.

Nader Jaber, Founder, FlyNumber

Tackle Depression

Depression is frequently ignored in the workplace, since most people are unwilling to express their emotions at work. We need to understand that depression is more than just sadness or a lousy mood. It’s a major mental health problem that affects our mood, thoughts, body, and behavior. Job insecurity, excessive hours, inappropriate demands, lack of support, and isolation are all factors that may lead to workplace depression.

Addressing depression in the workplace is important not only for employee well-being but also for the overall success of an organization or company. Initiatives focusing on mental health education, open communication, and the de-stigmatization of depression can go a long way toward building a more friendly and inclusive workplace.
Jonathan Merry, Founder, Moneyzine