Why Should We Care About Mental Health at Work?

We spend more time at work than anywhere else. Think about how often we pause and reflect on how our jobs affect our mental health. This year's World Mental Health Day theme is "Mental Health at Work," which we all need to take seriously.

Good work environments help us thrive and provide a sense of purpose and balance. However, when workplaces become toxic—filled with stress, unrealistic deadlines, or even bullying—they can take a toll on our mental health. Stress can lead to anxiety, and fatigue can turn into burnout. Productivity drops and our overall quality of life suffers.

With over 60% of the global population working, mental health at work is a shared responsibility.

How Bad Workplaces Can Impact Your Mental Health

Work is more than about earning a paycheck. It's where we spend a significant part of our lives, finding meaning or sometimes losing it. Some workplaces can feel toxic with long hours, no breaks, and impossible expectations. These conditions can chip away at our happiness and trigger real mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Work should uplift us and provide mental space for growth. When work takes up too much of our time, it impacts our performance and can damage our health, relationships, and ability to enjoy life outside the office.

What Needs to Change?

It's easy to think big corporations and governments should solve everything, but we all play a part. Employers must prioritize mental health, and employees need to advocate for it. This means:

• Talk about mental health openly. The more we normalize these conversations, the less stigma there will be.

• Push for mental health days and support resources.

• Create clear policies against toxic behaviors like harassment and burnout.

Change doesn't have to happen overnight. It's about taking small, meaningful steps that make a difference. Honest conversations can start the process. Don't wait for someone else to create a healthy work environment; you can be part of the change.

What Can You Do Right Now?

First, assess your performance. How is your job affecting your mental health? If it's negative, speak up. Have an honest chat with your manager or HR team. If you're a leader, consider how you can create a better environment for your team.

Everyone has the power to advocate for a culture that prioritizes mental health. If we don't, who will?

It's Morethan Work—It's About Life

Ultimately, this issue is bigger than the job itself. It's about creating a future where people can be their best selves at work and beyond. We all want to live fully, not merely survive until the weekend.

World Mental Health Day 2024 reminds us that we can do better—for ourselves, our coworkers, and the world. Let's make it count.

Credits:
World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2024
"Mental Health at Work"