Healthy Mind in the Workplace: Investing in Employee Well-being as a Strategic Key to Success

Today's business environment is full of tough challenges, so it's no surprise that workplace mental health issues are high on many companies' agendas. This is linked to an increased awareness of the importance of a healthy work environment for employee effectiveness and performance, as well as for the success of the business itself.

What Are the Current Trends?

Many companies are beginning to implement innovative programs and initiatives to support the mental and physical health of their employees. As an example, US company Google offers a range of healthy lifestyle benefits to its employees - from fitness centres and relaxation zones to free healthy meals.

Another great example is Microsoft, which invests in the health of its employees by giving them access to psychologists and therapists. And that's not all, the company has also started to implement 'well-being days' - days when employees have time off to regenerate and restore their mental well-being.

In the case of Slovakia, we are seeing the same growing trend towards mental health in the workplace. ESET regularly organises workshops and seminars focused on mental health and dealing with stress. In addition, ESET offers employees the opportunity to use the services of a psychologist.

Pixel Federation's care for employees and their mental health is deeply rooted in its culture. The company offers a number of benefits such as flexible working hours, the possibility of working from home and organises various activities aimed at a well-functioning working environment.

What Do the Surveys Say?

According to a recent study published in the Harvard Business Review, programs that support employee mental health increase productivity and company loyalty. The study also found that companies that invest in the mental health of their employees experience lower turnover and absenteeism in the workplace.

A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 58% of employees feel mentally drained from work and 55% feel their job does not allow them to achieve work-life balance.

A World Health Organization (WHO) survey reports that depression and anxiety have a significant impact on the world economy, with more than a billion working days lost each year.

A study by Mind Share Partners, SAP and Qualtrics found that half of millennials and 75% of Generation Z cited mental health as a factor in their current employment and certain problems.

According to the Gallup survey, employees who said their managers were open and ready to communicate about any issue felt 39% less burned out.

These and many other surveys show that mental health in the workplace is a key topic that employers should keep an eye on.

Advice for Employers

Ensure the availability of mental health professionals. Provide employees with access to psychologists and therapists or set up an on-site counselling centre.
Encourage an active lifestyle. Provide free access to fitness centres, yoga classes or other forms of physical activity that allow employees to relax and stay physically fit.
Establish transparent communication. It's important that employees don't feel uncomfortable if they choose to talk about their mental health issues. Build an environment where mental health is discussed openly and without prejudice.
Create an environment for regeneration. Rest and relaxation zones where employees can "unplug" and recharge are really welcome among employees.

What Should Employers Avoid?

Staff burnout. Excessive working hours and the constant need to be "on call" can lead to burnout and mental health problems.
Ignoring the problems. If employees feel that their problems are not being taken into account, it can negatively affect their mental health and performance.
Tabooing mental health. The stigmatisation of mental health can lead to employees being afraid to talk about their problems and seek help.

Investing in employee mental health is not just a question of ethics, but also of strategic advantage. Companies that create an environment that supports the health and well-being of their employees are investing in their own future and securing a competitive advantage in today's challenging business world.

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