On this World Mental Health Day 2024 observed on October 10, every year, we unite to shed light on a critical issue that affects us all, mental health in the workplace. This year’s theme, "Mental Health at Work,” is more than a slogan; it’s a call to action for us to reflect on how our workplaces can either nurture or erode our mental well-being. As a Clinical Psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how workplace environments can deeply influence mental health for better or worse.
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For millions, work is more than just a paycheck; it’s a place where we spend a significant part of our lives. Yet, too often, the pressures of the modern workplace; tight deadlines, high demands, and unspoken expectations, can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, and even depression.
Today, let us make a commitment to create workplaces where mental health is valued as highly as productivity, and where people can thrive, not just survive.
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Impact of work on mental health
The work we do shapes our identity, self-esteem, and mental health.
A supportive work environment can foster personal growth, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. However, a toxic workplace can be a source of anxiety, depression, and long-term mental health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), negative working conditions such as discrimination, harassment, excessive workloads, and lack of autonomy are major contributors to mental health disorders.
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Alarming statistics reveal that one in five workers will experience a mental health issue this year alone. Moreover, untreated mental health conditions are estimated to cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
In Rwanda, a 2018 Rwanda National Mental Health Survey of 6,183 youth aged 14-25 found that mental health disorders affected 10.2% of adolescents aged 14-18 and 17.2% of young adults aged 19-25, with a higher prevalence in rural areas. This data is a stark reminder of the mental health burden, especially for young people entering the workforce. Many are dealing with unresolved traumas, including intergenerational effects from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which compounds the pressures of modern work life.
The responsibility of employers and stakeholders
Employers have a crucial role in creating mentally healthy workplaces.
This responsibility extends from the boardroom to the break room. Change is possible. Small actions, like offering mental health days or creating safe spaces for dialogue, can make a significant difference. Employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders must collaborate to build environments that foster mental well-being and combat stigma.
Research shows that initiatives such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health awareness workshops, and flexible working conditions can have a profound impact. Furthermore, addressing presenteeism reduced productivity due to health issues—can result in even greater economic savings than reducing absenteeism. Employers must recognize that investing in mental health is not just a compassionate act but also an economically sound decision. For every dollar invested in treating common mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, there is four times return in productivity and health.
As a clinical psychologist, I have seen the long-term effects of workplace stress and burnout. Conditions such as chronic anxiety and depression, if left unaddressed, can spiral into severe mental health issues. Mental health challenges at work don’t just affect individual employees—they affect entire organizations. Poor mental health leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, strained relationships, and ultimately, higher turnover rates.
The good news is that early intervention works. When employees feel safe seeking help and mental health services are easily accessible, outcomes improve. According to studies, employees receiving mental health support report 35% higher engagement and 30% lower absenteeism. It’s clear: a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
Looking ahead, we must ask ourselves: how seriously are we taking mental health today?
The future of work will be shaped by how we respond to the mental health challenges we face now. Workplaces that prioritize mental health will be more resilient, productive, and successful. It’s not enough to acknowledge the issue—we must act.
The writer is a clinical psychologist