From Burnout to Breakthrough: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace
As mental health awareness gains priority, I might be inclined to agree with The World Economic Forum’s article “Mental health days: Why they’re so important for employee health” but I disagree with their emphasis on mental health days. Some companies tend to do things for show, and this might be one of them. Instead of a mental health day, why not have mental health programs in place to support your employees throughout the year. One day does not solve a year's worth of mental health issues. In my opinion, companies are still prioritizing productivity and profits over employee wellbeing.
How can I continue to turnover profits when I am burnt out, stressed and on the verge of a mental breakdown?
Yes, I may be young and fresh talent, but that does not mean you need to work me to the bone. Leaders should realize that burnout is no longer about the individual but about your workplace. Employees are facing unreasonable time pressures, lack of role clarity and unmanageable workload. Instead of saying ‘You can’t work here because you are the problem’ or ‘Your health, your problem’, as a leader you should be asking yourself what is making my team become like this? What am I doing that needs to be rectified?
As a way to improve employee wellbeing, leaders need to take an authentic interest in their team members so as to build trust. If I have no trust in my team leader, there is no way I am going to confide in them about my mental health. I do, however, appreciate the article’s recognition that mental health days are just one part of a larger effort to support employee mental health. Employers must prioritize mental health throughout the year by creating a positive work environment and addressing the root causes of workplace stress.
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Do you agree?
I agree to having mental health programs throughout the year
I disagree. One day is enough to support mental health.
Isabel Nziradzemhuka
A passionate individual towards community development and healthcare. Isabel believes that young talents should not limit themselves and be more open to explore a variety of areas of expertise. She previously worked as a research intern at a Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, where she contributed to the output of novel remedies. As an intern at Optimal Insight, she hopes to gain more experience in carrying out research as well as to learn more about the Future of Work and how she can implement it in the future. Isabel holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) degree and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health.
Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace