Contents
Mental Health Policy At Workplace
Mental health policy at the workplace is becoming more and more common. The World Health Organization has made the case for these policies by stating that depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide, with an estimated 350 million people living with the condition. With mental health continuing to be a sensitive issue, many companies are looking into ways they can better serve their workforce by implementing mental health policies at work.
A study by the World Health Organization found that depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. With an estimated 350 million people living with the condition. Mental health continues to be a sensitive issue and many companies are looking into ways they can better serve their workforce by implementing mental health policies at work.
These policies cover everything from how much time off someone should get when diagnosed to what kind of accommodations may need to be made for those dealing with chronic illnesses or disabilities. It’s unfortunate that in some cases, mental illness can lead a person out of a job before any form of policy has been put in place. So it’s important for employers to take initiative early on and implement these types of policies as soon as possible. Workplace wellness programs have also been proven to be an effective way for companies to reduce overall health care costs. And help employees avoid chronic conditions such as obesity.
Mental illness falls under many different categories including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. There are treatments for these conditions such as therapy and medication.
Mental Illnesses
The definition of mental illness changes over time and may not be the same in different cultures. Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, ethnic group, or educational level.
Mental illnesses can be treated with counseling, medication, or both. Counseling includes talking to someone who has experience or training in psychotherapy or psychology. Medication refers to medications that are approved by the FDA for psychological conditions. For example, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are helpful in treating depression and anxiety disorders.
Mental illness can be caused by a number of factors including family history, chemical imbalances in the brain, and drug and/or alcohol abuse. Mental health problems cover a broad range of issues which include stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and sometimes addiction. Each of these problems can lead to feelings of distress.
Mental health policy at the workplace is a tricky issue for some companies and organizations because they worry about their employees’ privacy and confidentiality and how it might affect their insurance costs. For example, if an employee were to become suicidal there would be no guarantee that he or she will not act on the impulse. Employers try to protect themselves from legal problems by having a mental health policy in place at their workplace.
Employees who have a mental illness may find it difficult to manage their work duties and perform them efficiently because of possible side effects of medication or symptoms of an illness itself. An employer must decide how to handle a situation that involves an employee with a mental health issue and how it affects the workplace.
How Mental Health Can Affect Work Life?
A study of Canadians found that as many as 15% of them had been on short-term disability due to a mental illness. In the US, the possibility is that 2 million people are absent from work for mental health reasons each year. Mental disorders are the leading cause of short-term disability in Canada, costing employers about $20 billion (in 1990 dollars) annually. Mental illness is one of the largest categories of long-term disabilities in Canada; it accounts for 40 to 50% of total long-term disability costs.
Mental health policy is a major workplace issue because of the high costs involved. Employers are particularly concerned about absenteeism, tardiness, and employee turnover that may be associated with mental health problems.
More than 200 million workers around the world suffer from disabling mental disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness). There is evidence suggesting that these conditions can cause economic and social costs which include:
- Diminished productivity and higher rates of disability,
- Decreased workplace commitment and loyalty,
- Greater absenteeism among workers with mental illness,
- More frequent job turnovers for those who have employment
Employers can play a more proactive role by developing effective strategies to prevent or reduce the effects of mental illness at work through early detection, intervention, and treatment. This achievement is possible by promoting mental health awareness in the workplace. It is one of the top priorities for employers in Canada.
How Mental Health Policy Can Help?
Mental health policy can help by providing services for those who are suffering from mental illness. This is the goal of many employers because it costs them greatly. Mental health policy can be used for preventive purposes as well as intervention purposes. Also, mental health policy helps workers return to work. This is important because if they do not return it can increase costs for employers. And they end up paying more in health care bills. Other benefits of mental health policy are lower rates on disability claims and better job performance. Since people suffering from these illnesses tend to have poorer job performances due mainly to the effects on their mood and energy levels.
Mental health policy is a good way to promote mental health awareness in the workplace. As this would be beneficial for employers. It will ultimately reduce absenteeism, tardiness, and turnover rates that may be associated with work performance. If employers have a program where they take care of those who are suffering from mental illness. Then they will be more motivated to do their best at work. This would also increase employee commitment and loyalty towards employers.
Benefits Of Good Mental Health In The Workplace
Mental health policy is important to employers because it reduces absenteeism, tardiness, and workplace turnover that may be the cause of mental illness. Employers want to make sure they promote mental health awareness in the workplace and how it can help. Mental health policy is also helpful for those who suffer from mental illness. Because it helps them return to work and reduce their disability claims. Also, better workplace performance is seen because those suffering from these conditions have more difficulties with their mood and energy levels.
Employers are concerned about absenteeism, tardiness, and employee turnover that may cause mental illness. Mental health policy provides services for those who are suffering from mental health problems. This is good for employers because they may end up paying more in health care bills. Mental health policy helps workers return to work and if they do not return. Then it can increase costs for the employer who will end up paying more in health care bills. Other benefits of mental health policy are lower rates on disability claims and better job performance. Since people suffering from these illnesses tend to have poorer job performances.
Mental health policy is important to employers because it reduces absenteeism, tardiness, and workplace turnover that may cause mental illness. Employers want to make sure they promote mental health awareness in the workplace and how it can help them. Mental health policy is also helpful for those who suffer from mental illness. Because it helps them return to work and reduce their disability claims. Also, better workplace performance is possible because those suffering from these conditions have more difficulties with their mood and energy levels.
How To Promote Mental Health & Wellness At Workplace
Everyone who works deserves access to safe and supportive workplaces that reflect our diversity and recognize our needs. This includes physical workplaces, but also virtual ones. When we are working for too long without a break, we become less productive and safety risks increase. Employers need to be aware of the impact of their decisions on mental health and take responsibility for their staff’s wellbeing.
One way they can do this is by making sure they provide staff with opportunities for recreation through things like walking meetings, mindfulness exercises, or meditation classes. And staff should feel empowered to ask for more support from the employer if they need it. Such as additional training or shorter shifts when managing stress or feeling overwhelmed.
Employers need to take a closer look at their own policies and practices to ensure they do not introduce new risks. They need to ask themselves: would this policy compromise the health or safety of our staff? Can we find ways to make it better so everyone can come to work feeling safe, healthy, and productive? Employers also play an important role in fostering a supportive work environment that includes reducing stigma around mental health. They can do this by recognizing the signs of stress and asking staff how they are doing. Offering to provide training on mental health in the workplace, hosting discussion groups, or making sure managers understand what to look out for. And how they should respond when someone is struggling with their mental health.
How To Help A Worker Who Has Mental Illness?
This is a difficult situation. In this situation, it may be best to not assume anything and give the person as much time as they need to find their way back to being themselves. If you believe that mental illness has been going on for a long time. Then offers a safe place for them to work from home or provide some other accommodation onsite. Speak to your HR representative on how best to proceed with this issue on a case-by-case basis.
Workplace accommodations for mental illness may include allowing job sharing or telecommuting, providing flexible hours, installing a quiet place to rest and drink tea, or implementing mindfulness exercises. Workers can also be reimbursed for fitness activity-related expenses like yoga classes. Mental health policy is important because it helps decrease costs of health care related to physical wellness. And it helps reduce the number of workers who are sick or injured.
Employers should also be aware that there are many different options for an employee’s return to work. This could include providing them with temporary modified or alternate duties/tasks until they are able to return to full capacity. And facilitating a phased return if appropriate, or simply ensuring that ongoing accommodation. That may be necessary are put in place prior to their return.
Getting back to work after a mental illness is not always easy and employers need to respect the time it takes for employees to transition back. Allowing flexibility, creating opportunities for socialization, and involving managers in the process can go a long way towards ensuring smooth transitions.”
Conclusion
It’s important for employers to take a look at their mental health policy and make sure it doesn’t introduce new risks. They need to ask themselves: would this policy compromise the health or safety of our staff? Can we find ways to make it better so everyone can come to work feeling safe, healthy, and productive? Employers also play an important role in fostering a supportive work environment that includes reducing stigma around mental health. They can do this by recognizing the signs of stress and asking staff how they are doing. Offering to provide training on mental health in the workplace, hosting discussion groups, or making sure managers understand what to look out for. And how they should respond when someone is struggling with their mental illness.
Do you want to keep your employees happy, healthy, and productive? Join our employee assistance program and get a healthier workplace.
