Whose responsibility is it to ensure mental health day?
Most people’s productive years, typically between the ages of 20 and 60, are largely spent in the workplace. Nearly 70 per cent of an individual’s time during these years is dedicated to work. This significant commitment to work can positively and negatively affect mental well-being. On this World Mental Health Day, individuals and organisations must reflect on the critical connection between work and mental health. A crucial question that naturally arises and demands our attention is: Whose responsibility is it to ensure mental health at work?
Workplaces greatly influence mental health, either serving as a source of support and fulfilment or as a contributor to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The relationship between mental health and work is not one-sided, but rather reciprocal. On the one hand, meaningful work can provide a sense of purpose, financial stability, and social connections, all of which positively contribute to mental well-being. On the other hand, unhealthy working conditions pose significant risks to mental health, affecting not only the individual’s quality of life but also their productivity and participation at work. To ensure that workplaces act as a protective factor rather than a risk to mental health, organisations need to prioritise the mental well-being of their employees. This includes preventing risks, protecting workers, and supporting mental health through thoughtful workplace policies and practices.
Mental health at work is not a one-person job, but a shared responsibility. Employers, managers, and employees all play a critical role in creating environments that support mental well-being. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide safe, healthy working conditions. This includes not only protecting workers from physical harm but also addressing the psychosocial risks that can threaten mental health. These risks may include long hours, excessive workloads, poor job security, or exposure to discrimination and harassment.
Managers, as the day-to-day leaders in the workplace, have a crucial role in ensuring their teams are not overburdened or exposed to unhealthy work conditions. They must be empowered with the knowledge to recognise the signs of mental distress, address concerns promptly, and foster open communication about mental health. This empowerment should instil a sense of responsibility in employees to take charge of their own mental well-being.
Safe, healthy working environments are essential for protecting mental health. Workplaces that actively promote well-being, offering support systems, flexibility, and reasonable workloads, can act as a protective factor for mental health. Conversely, environments, where stigma, discrimination, and exposure to harassment are prevalent, can have damaging effects on mental health, overall quality of life, and workplace participation.
To address these challenges, employers must implement policies that promote mental health, provide access to resources such as counselling services, and foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritised. This may include offering flexible working hours, reasonable workloads, and mental health training for managers to ensure they can support their teams effectively.
Given this close connection between work and mental health, both individuals and organisations should take time to reflect on the role that workplaces play in supporting or harming mental health, especially on this World Mental Health Day. Most importantly, this day is a reminder that mental health in the workplace is a collective responsibility that requires attention, action, and commitment from employers, managers, and employees alike.
