Addressing workplace stress and its impact on mental health
Stress is something that we are all familiar with. However, we are unable to advance in identifying the causes of stress. Stress is more of a response to something. It might be due to a combination of factors or just one of them. But what causes stress in humans, and how do they cope with it?
Stress is defined as a lack of control over a situation. It is mostly because people have higher expectations of you than you can meet or so we assume it to be.
Workplace stress is one form of stress that I would like to highlight.
Yes, in today's landscape, with emerging technology and the advancement of various modern ways of life, there is a need to be perfect in order to fit into society or the workplace.
In order to survive, one must work harder. I don’t know what led us all to this. However, people need to be honest about who they are and how it is affecting their mental health in the pursuit of greater financial success and professional advancement.
Workplace stress, stigma, and perceptions towards stressed-out employees have increased dramatically from a simple executive to a company CEO.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of workplace stress and how it has a significant impact on employee mental health.
What Are the Causes of Poor Mental Health at Work?
Poor mental health has many underlying causes, which is a question with many layers. A flawed organisational system might be to blame. Well, to go into the reasons further, we can also think about how low self-esteem might result from not having the support of coworkers and supervisors. The pressure to excel at work or stand out becomes even more intense as a result. One of the causes of poor mental health is the psychological pressure to be perfect at work and to not recognise your true potential.
Even when we consider this on a global scale, very few companies have taken the time to learn from this problem and apply what they have discovered.
At work, stress can often be caused by things like
Some additional causes could be
This stigma has been further intensified by the news of another young talent’s suicide due to workload. Not only that, but stress in the workplace has been the cause of countless similar incidents in the past. While the specific causes may vary, the fact remains that they are ending their lives because they are unable to meet the expectations placed on them. Do they think this is the best solution? To end your life? How is this even fair? Why are no steps being taken to prevent such incidents, and what are other employees or employers doing to address them?
Another major cause of poor mental health is rising financial pressures. Money is undoubtedly important. But not at the expense of your mental health!
Many of my friends work two or more jobs to supplement their income. But, when I ask them, what about family time and relaxation? They say, it is what it is!
Based on this, I believe that people have begun to accept it as a normal way of living and earning. Overstressing yourself has a negative impact on your mental health.
Needless to mention how poor mental health can adversely affect the physical well-being of a person.
Tips for Creating a More Positive Work Environment and De-Stressing the Workplace
You can learn new ways to manage your stress levels. It could be talking to someone you trust or beginning a workout routine.
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Mindfulness is necessary for maintaining mental harmony. You can accomplish this by reading self-help books, practising yoga, or listening to motivational podcasts.
Rather than keeping expectations from others or overestimating yourself, you must understand your true potential. Being more realistic than assumptious will allow you to be more assertive and prepared for any change.
One thing you should never give up is your self-esteem. Having a high self-esteem can help you feel more self-worthy, and you can always choose whether or not to let things and people affect you.
One must always be able to say NO. It may be difficult to do so because it can lead to strained relationships or dissatisfaction among your colleagues. However, remember that you must set boundaries for yourself in order to protect your mental health at all times. This eliminates the extra stress of proving yourself all the time.
The thing we prioritise tends to flourish. Similarly, prioritising your mental health will most likely lead to an improvement. It may not happen overnight, but if you continue to practise and acknowledge it, you will notice a difference.
Benefits of Good Mental Health in the Workplace: Be the Change!
What factors contribute to the success of a business or organisation? Of course, it is the employees! This means that employees are a company's most valuable asset. This requires you to ensure that your employees are in good physical and mental health. Without a doubt, mental health is a personal matter, but many outside factors have an impact on it.
As a result, it is our responsibility to look around and check on those who are important to us, asking them how they are doing. We may be managers, employees, or company CEOs, but it is our responsibility to keep track of those who have an impact on our lives. It is not just for show, but also to make everyone feel important. Even their smallest efforts matter, their very own existence matters!
Positive mental health provides strength in the face of various challenges and failures. Failure is part of life, not the end of it. It is okay to feel less or overwhelmed at work. But it is not okay to punish yourself for that or to bring out the worst in people when they fall short of your standards. It is necessary to reflect within, understand your potential, and seek possible solutions to your problems.
According to studies, 55% of employees are uncomfortable discussing mental health issues with their superiors. Many problems can be solved when a manager recognises the importance of mental health in the workplace.
As is well known, a positive state of mind can generate a large number of creative and productive ideas. This allows for self-confidence and self-worth, which ultimately lead to feeling more satisfied with oneself.
Another study found that 80% of people aged 18 to 39 will prioritise mental health in their job search. Naturally, we all want to advance in our careers.
As a result, we often feel justified in overburdening ourselves in order to earn more. We may even lose our self-esteem if we are aware that we are not being treated properly. This is where the problem arises. It is also the individual's responsibility to understand and make decisions based on their mental health. Nothing should be more important than your own mental state. This world is a big place, and remember that you can always do what makes you feel better! ( without hurting anyone, ofcourse)
When you create a workplace which is full-of-life, healthier, and with happier employees, you will feel wealthy beyond money and status. After all, before becoming an employee, manager, or CEO, we are all human beings with the same blood and flesh. We are all supposed to support one another rather than tear each other down! It may not benefit you right now, but you will undoubtedly notice a significant difference over time.
Taking considerate actions towards your employees is a way to make them feel more secure and fulfilled.
The purpose of this blog is to raise awareness and acknowledge everyone out there who feels a certain way at work or anywhere else! You must all understand that you are not alone, and that the world is not so bad. Every day, good organisations and great people lift each other up. So, never give up hope and cherish your life because nothing is more valuable than your unique self. Also, if you are the one silently suffering, do not hesitate to ask for help.
If you know someone who is struggling with workplace mental health and requires assistance, please take the initiative and contribute by acknowledging one another.
Your feedback and thoughts are welcome in our comments section!