This year, on World Mental Health Day 2024, the day’s theme is ‘Workplace Mental Health’. So, we wanted to honour this all-important theme today in this article.
Mental health is such a vital component of overall well-being, but for many employees, managing mental health in an unsupportive work environment can feel like an uphill battle. Despite growing awareness, many companies still fall short when it comes to providing meaningful mental health support and the reasons for this are so very complex. This lack of support can exacerbate existing issues and make it difficult for individuals to seek help, share their struggles, and thrive in their roles.
Here at Laura Greenwood Therapy, we are passionate about changing the narrative and prioritising mental health in the workplace…. for the benefit of parents, the bottom line and our overall society!
Here are some reasons why it can be especially challenging to manage mental health in the workplace.
- Stigma and Judgment
In companies that do not actively promote mental health awareness, employees may fear being judged or stigmatised for disclosing their struggles. Even in 2024, there remains a widespread myth that mental health issues are a sign of weakness or incompetence. When workplaces perpetuate this by failing to provide open, non-judgmental environments, employees may feel pressured to hide their conditions, increasing their stress and exacerbating their symptoms. Also, it is worth noting that whilst some workplaces do ‘promote’ mental health awareness, being a mentally healthy working environment is so much more than awareness days with the occasional lunch and learn! It is about providing a culture of support for employees to allow them to truly feel safe to share and gain support for their struggles.
- Lack of Mental Health Resources
A supportive company typically offers access to mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling services, or wellness initiatives. When these resources are absent, employees are left to navigate their mental health alone, without the professional support that could help them cope or improve their well-being. Without tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, employees are at risk of burnout, leading to challenges for both employee and employer alike.
- Toxic Work Culture
Toxic work environments—where high stress, unreasonable expectations, or poor management are the norm—are undoubtedly detrimental to mental health. In such environments, employees are often subjected to excessive pressure, lack of autonomy, or disrespectful behaviour from colleagues and leaders. A lack of appreciation, unfair workloads, and unclear job expectations can increase anxiety, lower morale, and lead to mental exhaustion. When mental health issues arise in these conditions, they are often seen as individual failings rather than the result of an unhealthy work culture. It is worth recognising that yes, people have to take personal responsibility for their health, but no amount of self-help and self-care will help within a broken toxic system. Workplaces must take responsibility for genuinely supporting their staff too.
- Fear of Repercussions
In unsupportive companies, employees often worry that speaking up about their mental health will lead to negative consequences. They might fear being overlooked for promotions, given fewer responsibilities, or even losing their jobs. This fear can make employees less likely to take necessary time off to recover or seek support, leaving them to struggle in silence. When mental health is seen as a liability rather than a priority, it can create a hostile environment where employees feel trapped in their struggles.
- Poor Communication from Leadership
Leaders set the tone for how mental health is perceived and handled within a company. When leadership is disengaged from mental health discussions or fails to communicate the importance of well-being, employees may feel that their struggles are not legitimate or worthy of attention. This can lead to feelings of isolation or neglect, as employees may feel that the company values performance and productivity over their mental well-being. Rather than seeing that the overall wellbeing of employees at ALL levels, is paramount to success in business. It makes good business sense to truly value and support the wellbeing of employees.
- Lack of Work-Life Balance
Unsupportive companies often expect employees to prioritise work above all else, making it difficult for them to find a balance between professional responsibilities and personal needs. This imbalance can be harmful to mental health, as employees may feel pressured to constantly perform, leaving little time for self-care, relaxation, or addressing mental health concerns. Without boundaries or adequate time to recharge, mental health can deteriorate rapidly.
- Isolation and Loneliness
In companies where mental health is not openly discussed, employees struggling with their mental health may feel isolated. If there is no space for vulnerability or emotional support among peers and supervisors, it can be incredibly difficult for someone dealing with mental health challenges to find a sense of community or belonging. Isolation can amplify feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, making it harder for employees to seek the help they need.
Laura Greenwood Therapy is Championing the Importance of Supportive Workplaces, with a focus on Parents
Creating a supportive environment requires companies to prioritise mental health as a key part of their culture. Providing access to resources, promoting open dialogue, fostering a culture of empathy and respect, and encouraging work-life balance are essential steps. When employees feel supported and understood, they are not only more likely to seek help when needed but are also more likely to thrive in their roles, leading to better performance and a healthier workplace overall.
In unsupportive environments, however, the challenges of dealing with mental health can be overwhelming. It’s vital that companies recognise the importance of mental health, not just as a personal issue but as a collective responsibility. Only then can workplaces truly foster well-being and long-term success for their employees, and their businesses.
Are you ready to change the way your business supports your parent employees for the benefit of parents, your bottom line, and society? If you would like to talk more about how we at Laura Greenwood Therapy can help, please get in touch with us at contact@lauragreenwoodtherapy.com
