Why Are Mental Health Issues the Workplace’s Best-Kept Secret?

The Growing Mental Health Crisis in the Workplace

According to WHO, globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety. Employees dealing with mental health issues often deal with stress-induced illnesses, and when they are forced to work despite their mental health struggles, it may lead to decreased efficiency and mistakes.

But it doesn't have to be this way, organisations should come forward and break this prolonged silence around the topic. In fact, according to WHO, every dollar invested in mental health initiatives generates a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.

One of the most effective ways employers can provide this support is by offering comprehensive Group Health Insurance plans that include mental health benefits, giving employees access to therapy, counselling and wellness programs. When organizations provide such well-rounded care, they not only show they prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of their employees, but they also create a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and understood.

Why Mental Health Issues Remain Hidden in the Workplace?

Many employees are reluctant to seek help for their mental health issues at work, and one of the main reasons for this is the stigma that still surrounds mental health problems. Many workers fear being labelled as weak or incapable if they disclose their mental health struggles.

In addition to stigma, fear of job security plays a significant role in keeping mental health issues hidden. Employees often worry that revealing their mental health problems could lead to judgment of capability, demotion, or even job loss. This fear is especially pronounced in industries where competition is high, and employees feel the pressure to perform at their best, even when struggling mentally.

Another factor contributing to the underreporting of mental health issues is a general lack of awareness. Many employees and employers are not sufficiently educated about mental health, making it difficult to recognise the problem in the first place.

The Role of Workplace Culture

Workplace culture plays a critical role in either causing or worsening mental health issues. There are many ways in which the work environment can negatively impact one's well-being:

• Toxic Work Environment: High-pressure and competitive workplaces contribute to poor mental health by promoting excessive productivity and leaving little room for rest. This often goes hand in hand with toxic positivity, where employees are expected to maintain an upbeat attitude regardless of their stress levels. This suppresses genuine emotions, leading to feelings of isolation and burnout.
• Leadership Blind Spots: Many leaders lack training to identify mental health issues, missing signs of stress and burnout in their teams, leaving employees without understanding and support.
• Overwork and Burnout: Long hours and lack of work-life balance are common stressors that lead to burnout. When employees are expected to always be “on,” they become mentally and physically exhausted, leading to disengagement and reduced performance.
• Inadequate Health Coverage: Many health insurance plans overlook mental health, leaving employees without access to crucial support like therapy or counselling. Adding mental health benefits to Employee Health Insurance can provide employees with essential support.

Why is Addressing Mental Health Critical?

Companies that genuinely care about their employees recognize the importance of mental health support. It's not just about creating a productive workforce; it's about ensuring that individuals feel supported, valued, and understood.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and addressing these issues shows a commitment to the well-being of each employee as a person beyond their role at work. Here are some ways through which employers can truly make a difference:

• A Responsibility to Care: Supporting mental health goes beyond business goals. It reflects an organization's responsibility to look after the people who form its core. Prioritizing mental well-being fosters an environment where employees feel safe to speak openly about their struggles and seek the help they need without stigma or judgment.
• Creating a Safe Space: When employers actively support mental health, they create a culture of care where employees can prioritize their own well-being. It's about helping them navigate life's challenges with the knowledge that their employer has their back not because it will make them more productive, but because it's simply the right thing to do.
• Supporting Through Benefits: Offering mental health resources, such as counselling or therapy through Group Health Insurance, provides tangible support. It’s a gesture that says, “We care about you as a person, and we’re here to help you take care of yourself” This type of care extends beyond the office, showing employees that their emotional health matters every day, not just during working hours.

Steps Companies Can Take to Break the Silence

To effectively tackle mental health issues, organisations can take tangible steps that foster an open and supportive environment. These actions can create a positive workplace culture where mental health is prioritised.

Mental Health Programs and Benefits

Implementing comprehensive mental health programs is one of the most effective ways companies can support their employees. These programs go beyond surface-level initiatives and create meaningful access to mental health resources.

• Counselling Services: Providing access to on-site or virtual counselling services ensures employees can seek professional help when needed. This can be done through partnerships with mental health professionals or by offering employees sessions with licensed therapists through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs offer a range of services that support employees in managing their mental health. These programs can provide short-term counselling and financial wellness programs.
• Flexible Work Options: Flexibility in work arrangements, such as remote working, adjustable hours, or reduced workweeks, can significantly alleviate stress.
• Wellness Initiatives: Companies can introduce wellness programs focused on mental health, such as mindfulness meditation sessions, stress management workshops, or even fitness challenges.

Leadership Training

A key aspect of fostering a mentally healthy workplace is training leadership to understand, recognise and address mental health issues. Leaders are often the first to spot changes in an employee's behaviour, but without proper training, they may miss crucial signs of mental health struggles.

• Recognising Early Signs: Train leaders to recognise early symptoms of mental health issues, such as changes in mood, withdrawal from social interaction, reduced productivity, or increased absenteeism.
• Creating Supportive Relationships: Leadership training should also focus on fostering empathy, trust, and open communication within teams. Employees should feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of judgment or retaliation.
• Conducting Mental Health Check-ins: Encourage leaders to regularly check in with their teams on a one-on-one basis. These check-ins are not just about performance but also about understanding the employee's well-being, workload, and any personal stressors.

Enhance Group Health Insurance Plans

One of the most tangible ways companies can support their employee's mental health is by enhancing their Group Health Insurance plans to include comprehensive mental health benefits.

• Therapy and Counseling Sessions: Ensure that the Group Health Insurance policy covers therapy and counselling sessions.
• Digital Wellness Apps: Many digital platforms now offer mental health resources such as meditation apps, virtual therapy sessions, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tools. Integrating these into Group Health Insurance plans gives employees a low-barrier, convenient option for managing their mental health daily.
• Covering Preventive Mental Health Care: In addition to treatment, the policy should also cover preventive care such as stress management programs and workshops.
• Ensuring Confidentiality: It's important to ensure that any mental health services provided through insurance are confidential. Employees must feel secure that seeking help will not lead to stigma or affect their job status.

Fostering an Open Culture

Creating a workplace culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported is essential for long-term success. Here’s what employers can do to foster an open culture:

• Normalise Mental Health Conversations: Begin by actively encouraging open conversations about mental health during team meetings, workshops, or internal communications. When leadership speaks openly about mental health and models vulnerability, it signals to employees that mental health is a priority.
• Designated Mental Health Champions: Appoint employees as mental health advocates or champions who can act as a bridge between the workforce and management. These individuals can raise awareness about mental health issues, offer peer support, and guide employees toward available resources.
• Offer Mental Health Days: Encourage employees to take mental health days as part of their sick leave. By normalising this practice, companies show that mental health is as important as physical health, helping reduce the stigma around taking time off for mental well-being.
• Anonymous Feedback Channels: Implement anonymous feedback mechanisms where employees can voice their mental health concerns or suggestions for improving workplace wellness.

Conclusion

Prioritising mental health is essential for building a supportive and productive workplace. Employers can take proactive steps, such as upgrading Group Health Insurance to include mental health benefits, ensuring employees have access to the care they deserve. By addressing holistic well-being, businesses not only support their teams but also cultivate a healthier, more engaged environment.

To explore how your company can provide mental health support to its employees through a tailored Group Health Insurance plan, consider speaking with an expert at Policybazaar for business..