How often do you talk about your mental health at work? While many people believe it should be okay to discuss mental health openly in the workplace, the reality is that many still don’t feel comfortable doing so. Whether it’s fear of judgment, job insecurity, or simply not knowing where to start, these conversations are often avoided.
But mental well-being plays a critical role in how we show up at work. In fact, a review of studies published between 2008 and 2020 found a strong link between poor mental health—mainly depression and anxiety—and productivity losses, particularly through absenteeism and presenteeism. Simply put, when mental health suffers, performance usually does too.
- Absenteeism: When employees miss work due to illness, stress, or mental health struggles.
- Presenteeism: When employees are physically present but not fully functioning or productive due to mental or emotional distress.
Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, researchers estimate that 12 billion productive workdays are lost each year due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy nearly US$ 1 trillion annually. Depression not only affects personal well-being—it also significantly impacts productivity, relationships, and overall workplace performance.
What Contributes to Mental Health Challenges at Work?
The World Health Organization identifies several workplace factors that can negatively impact mental well-being. These risks often stem from issues like:
- Unmanageable workloads and poor work-life balance
- Lack of autonomy or unclear job expectations
- Toxic or unsupportive workplace culture
- Inadequate physical working conditions
- Job insecurity or limited opportunities for growth
These challenges can cause stress, anxiety, and burnout—making it harder for employees to stay motivated, focused, or engaged.
How Employers Can Support Mental Well-Being
Improving mental health in the workplace doesn’t require dramatic changes—but it does require intention. Here are some practical ways organizations can foster a healthier, more supportive environment:
- Design a Supportive Work Environment. A well-designed workspace—one that includes natural light, ergonomic furniture, quiet areas, and access to green spaces—can reduce stress and improve focus.
- Encourage Physical Activity. Movement is essential for mental clarity. Employers can support this by offering options such as standing desks, active sitting solutions, encouraging walking meetings, providing access to fitness facilities or wellness programs or promoting micro breaks throughout the day to reduce mental fatigue and improve focus.
- Promote Healthy Eating and Hydration. Providing access to clean drinking water, nutritious snacks, or even subsidizing healthy meal options—such as offering discounts or contributing to the cost of healthy meals—can significantly improve energy, mood, and overall well-being.
- Foster Open Communication. Create a culture where it’s safe to talk about stress or burnout without stigma. Regular check-ins and mental health awareness training for managers can help normalize the conversation.
- Train Leadership in Mental Health Awareness. Train leaders to recognize mental health challenges, have supportive conversations, and create an environment of psychological safety. Equip them to respond appropriately, make reasonable accommodations, and encourage open communication, so employees feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
- Offer Flexibility and Boundaries. Flexible hours, remote work options, and encouraging employees to disconnect outside work hours can help maintain a better work-life balance.
What Individuals Can Do to Support Their Own Mental Health at Work
While organizational support is vital, employees can also take steps to safeguard their own mental well-being:
- Practice Self-Awareness. Recognize your own stress triggers and warning signs. Regular self-check-ins help you address issues before they escalate into bigger problems.
- Set Boundaries. Clearly communicate your work availability, take your entitled breaks, and avoid checking work communications during personal time.
- Build a Support Network. Connect with trusted colleagues who can provide perspective and emotional support during challenging times.
- Utilize Available Resources. Take advantage of any mental health benefits, counseling services, or wellness programs your employer offers.
- Develop Coping Strategies. Find healthy ways to manage stress, whether through mindfulness practices, physical activity, creative outlets, or speaking with a professional.
The Bottom Line: A Healthy Workforce is a Productive Workforce
When employees are well, they perform well. Creating a workplace that prioritizes mental health is not just the right thing to do—it’s also smart business. But breaking the stigma around mental health requires a collective effort. Employers must recognize their role in providing support, and employees should feel safe to communicate and participate.
As mental health becomes a more accepted topic at work, it’s critical that it isn’t treated as a checkbox. It should be embedded in everyday culture—normalized in conversations, supported by leadership, and backed by real policies. Only then can we create workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
These are just a few ways we can prioritize mental well-being at work—but this is by no means a complete list. If you have strategies that have worked for you or practices your workplace encourages, we’d love to hear them. Share your thoughts in the comments—your experience might help someone else take that first step.
