Blog Post
How the pandemic reshaped mental health in the workplace
Mental health is not a new topic in the work environment. It was originally included in the broader concept of well-being, and Michael Rucker tells us that it can be traced back to the 1600s when the Italian physician Bernardini Ramazzini wrote about the possible occupational diseases that would affect workers. Since then, many others have expressed their concerns and proposed suggestions regarding well-being in the workplace, from scholars to policymakers.
In recent times, employees' well-being has become a central topic, with an increased focus on mental health, especially among large businesses that invest significant money to promote workers' health. However, mandatory health and safety regulations tended to take priority. But, since the pandemic, the concept of well-being at work has changed.
Unfortunately, the health crisis didn't stand alone. It was accompanied by the tragic death of George Floyd and other Black Americans, violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, wildfires, political turmoils, and other dramatic and stressful events.
Because of this unfortunate series of circumstances, people became more sensitive to how their mental health was affected. As a result, companies started strengthening their well-being programs. Many began offering shorter work weeks, mental health leaves, counseling, and other forms of support. Yet, this shift in workplace attitudes toward mental health does not necessarily mean that employers have fully comprehended its importance - it might be that they are just embracing the current trends.
As Harvard Business Review suggests, employers benefit from supporting mental health at work because employees feel more comfortable within their workplace and are, in turn, more loyal and productive. Therefore, it is fundamental that leaders provide a culture change in their work environment when it comes to mental health. In addition, they must be active in the transition by sharing their own experiences and showing empathy and sincere support to their team. They should also be open to more flexible ways of working to accommodate people's needs.
Improvements have already been made; now, it is time to create a deeper connection that can foster a more empathetic and healthier work environment!
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