Mental Wellness: 5 Advantages for Business Excellence
Mental health is just as important as physical health. It influences how we think, feel, and behave, affecting our overall well-being. Unfortunately, mental health is often overlooked in professional settings. However, prioritising employee mental well-being is crucial because a thriving business depends on its people.
Studies have shown that neglecting mental health in the workplace can have significant financial consequences. A study by The Lancet Psychiatry found that staff turnover due to mental health issues cost Malaysian businesses RM1.34 billion in 2018, in a labour force of 15.23 million. Additionally, a 2020 report by Relate Mental Health Malaysia revealed that approximately 29% of employees struggle with mental health, leading to an estimated 3.78% loss in annual gross output due to absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. Despite these alarming figures, only 20% of those affected actually seek professional help.
The Importance of Positive Mental Health in the Workplace
Prioritising employee well-being and creating a safe mental health space within the workplace is essential. Employers should proactively foster an environment that supports and promotes positive mental health among employees.
Given that only a small percentage of individuals seek professional help for mental health issues, it is vital for workplaces to provide accessible resources. This ensures that both employers and employees have the support they need when facing mental health challenges, encouraging individuals to take action when necessary.
Let’s explore the importance of fostering positive mental health in the workplace.
1. Preventing occupational burnout
Occupational burnout is a consequence of prolonged, unmanaged workplace stress, manifesting differently in each individual. Common physical and emotional symptoms include fatigue and a strong sense of demotivation. One may find it increasingly difficult to focus on tasks, perform at their best, and even start to doubt their own skills and abilities.
The causes of burnout often stem from a lack of support, an imbalance between personal and professional life, and overwhelming workloads. Long hours and limited control over responsibilities can further intensify these feelings, creating a cycle that is challenging to break.
Preventing job burnout begins with recognising the early warning signs, such as feeling drained or disengaged at work. Once these signs are identified, it is crucial to prioritise self-care and take a mental health break to rest and recharge. By stepping away and allowing ourselves to recover, we not only manage stress more effectively but also return with a refreshed perspective, ultimately enhancing our overall outlook and productivity in the long run.
2. Ability to remain agile and adaptable despite changes
When mental health is compromised, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to manage the various responsibilities at hand. This challenge often arises from factors such as a lack of focus, a heavy workload, difficulty in prioritising tasks, and unclear goals or instructions.
However, developing strong organisational skills and maintaining a positive outlook can significantly influence how work is approached. By viewing challenges and failures as opportunities for learning rather than a setback, we cultivate a mindset that enhances our resilience in the face of adversity. This shift in perspective allows us to remain flexible, ensuring that setbacks do not hinder our ability to adapt to changes and uncertainty.
Staying agile and adaptable is especially crucial when navigating evolving work demands. Whether it is a change in roles and responsibilities, shifts in business needs, or fluctuations in market trends, the ability to adjust quickly can make all the difference in maintaining productivity and driving business success.
3. Higher productivity and better job performance
Poor mental health can lead to disengagement from work, resulting in lower productivity and diminished creativity. This disengagement affects our ability to make decisions and solve problems, hindering our progress towards meeting business goals and fulfilling expectations. Often, this stems from divided attention, a lack of motivation, and a disconnect from daily activities.
When we prioritise our mental health and well-being, we approach work with greater focus and engagement. This renewed energy can improve productivity and enhance our ability to deliver effective results and meet expectations consistently. By functioning at our peak, we contribute positively to the organisation, driving success through informed decision-making, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration with team members.
4. Contributing with purposeful work
Negative mental health can distort our perception, leading us to doubt our abilities and undermine our confidence at work. Self-doubt not only hinders our performance but also obscures the purpose behind our tasks, making it easy to feel disconnected from business goals, even when we’re contributing valuable work.
By prioritising our mental health and striving for a sense of wholeness, we can gain greater clarity and find meaning in our actions. When we bring this clarity into the workplace, we can better understand both what we’re doing and why it matters, which strengthens our sense of purpose and connection to our work. This shift in perspective allows us to view our contributions objectively, empowering us to work with renewed focus and intention.
5. Being a better leader and team player
Empathetic leadership largely shapes organisational culture. When senior leaders openly acknowledge and prioritise mental health, it sends a powerful message that employee well-being is crucial in achieving business success. By addressing mental health transparently, stigmas can be broken down, encouraging employees to seek the support they need.
Leaders play a critical role of demonstrating healthy behaviours, such as valuing work-life balance and practising self-care. This approach nurtures working environments where individuals are encouraged to excel, knowing they are supported in both their professional and personal well-being.
How Positive Mental Health Contributes to Business Success
Now that we’ve explored the importance of positive mental health in the workplace, let’s delve deeper to how it can contribute to business success.
1. Teams can meet business goals and targets
Positive mental health fosters higher productivity and better work performance, enabling employees to find purpose in their work. When they can align their tasks with the larger business goals, they contribute more effectively to the organisation’s success. With increased resilience and the ability to succeed at work, employees become valuable contributors, driving business success by bringing their full potential to the table.
2. Higher return on investment
Prioritising mental health is both a strategic decision and a moral obligation for businesses. To effectively address mental health, programme implementations such as prevention, intervention, and ongoing support are essential. Establishing flexible work policies, employee assistance programmes, and launching mental health awareness campaigns are strong initial steps. By embedding mental health into business strategy, companies will see higher returns on investment and lower healthcare expenses while cultivating a resilient, high-performing workforce with long-term increases in employee satisfaction and productivity.
3. Higher employee retention
Companies that offer benefits prioritising self-care and prevent workplace burnout may notice higher employee retention rates. By reducing the likelihood of potential resignations due to mental health issues, these initiatives can create a more stable workforce. When employees feel their mental health is a priority and resources are available to support their well-being, it can boost morale, job satisfaction, and sustain engagement in the workplace.
Promoting Positive Mental Health in the Workplace
A modern workplace must be committed to cultivating an environment where mental health is prioritised and free from prejudice or biases. By doing so, companies can significantly reduce the likelihood that mental health issues will stem within the organisation or its culture. A supportive, open and understanding work environment encourages the workforce to bring their best selves to work, nurturing a company culture of excellence.
Good mental health is not just a personal asset; it is crucial for business success. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, mental well-being directly impacts resilience, decision-making and creativity — all vital for thriving in today’s competitive market. Prioritising mental health not only helps leaders excel but also uplifts employees to achieve the same.