3 common mental health challenges in the workplace

Did you know that mental health challenges are all around us? They affect pretty much everyone, no matter their status or background. Employees themselves are no exception, and employers are responsible for ensuring that any mental health challenges are dealt with right away.

HR teams and managers can identify employees experiencing mental health challenges by monitoring changes in their behavior and attitude. A change in a person’s baseline can be an indication that something isn’t right. With this in mind, it’s also worth knowing the common mental challenges or stress factors that may affect employees. With this knowledge, HR teams and managers can put things into perspective and offer appropriate solutions to help employees overcome their issues.

To help employers, this Pacific Prime article presents 3 common mental health challenges for employers to be aware of and what to do if an employee experiences those challenges.

1. Relationship issues

It’s not uncommon to have employees suddenly arrive sad and depressed due to relationship issues. These include broken-down relationships or plans to divorce. They can take up a lot of emotional energy and can leave employees feeling stressed. If left untreated, they can have a detrimental effect on the person’s long-term physical health, which isn’t great from an employer’s perspective. This mental health challenge is very common as we all go through relationship issues at some point in our lives.

Offer help through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

With that said, employers can offer employees time off or to have their work covered while they resolve their personal issues. However, a better option would be to have a specialist or counselor support the employee through an EAP. A standard EAP program is designed to put employees at the center of attention by offering proper support and advice. Additionally, employees may also appreciate the discreteness of the help given as they can discuss directly with the counselors and keep matters private.

2. Financial stress

If an employee appears stressed while working, then it could be because of their finances. In life, there are many expenses to consider for working professionals, from mortgages to loan repayments and insurance premiums that are due. In addition, other costs such as food and drinks and school costs for those with children can also strain employees. When combined together, these can present a mental health challenge for employees, affecting their performance at work and with colleagues in the workforce.

Offer the right financial support

When dealing with employees who have financial issues, it’s best to refer them to a financial wellness program that offers specific financial support. A financial wellness program can help employees reduce money-related stress and consolidate their financial issues into one. This way, employees will be able to manage their financial situation better and overcome this mental health challenge.

It is worth having educational programs too for employees who would like to learn about the different ways of managing finances. Financial knowledge can boost an employee’s confidence and help them make informed decisions. All in all, this may also translate into better productivity and focus at work.

3. Workplace burnout

Burnout is an accumulation of stress that can occur anywhere. But when experienced at work, it is referred to as a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of purpose or identity. Employees who experience this usually make clear signs that they feel overwhelmed and lack the motivation to perform or do their work.

Speak to employees and offer help

HR professionals and managers should step in if they suspect that employees are suffering from burnout.

• Firstly, it is good to have a chat to them and get them to voice any concerns they may have.
• Secondly, it may also be better to give them time off to rest or confirm their dates for annual leave.

However, burnout can be avoided if employees can turn to HR professionals and managers earlier. A way to do this is to be accessible and open for dialogue whenever time and situation allows. Communication can highlight concerns and ensure that solutions are offered sooner rather than later.

Further reading:

• How can employers tackle corporate burnout?
• How to practice mindfulness at the workplace

Speak to an expert at Pacific Prime

Pacific Prime is an employee benefits specialist and insurance broker with over 20 years of experience. Over the years, we have supporting individuals, families, and businesses with their insurance needs. Our insurance and employee benefits advisors will help design and advise on the ideal solutions and support you throughout the whole duration of the plan.

Contact us today for expert advice on devising employee benefits plans based on your company’s needs, compliance requirements, and budget.

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Jimmy

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Jimmy is a content writer who helps simplify insurance for readers interested in international private medical insurance. He is on a mission in Thailand to support locals, expatriates, and businesses by bring the latest news and updates to his Pacific Prime blog articles.

His expert view and wealth of knowledge on insurance can also be found in his blogs for China, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

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