World Mental Health Day Focuses on Feeling Good at Work

Oct. 10 marks World Mental Health Day across the globe, a day meant to raise awareness about mental health disorders and fight the stigma that often accompanies them worldwide.

That battle continues in all areas of life, including careers. In a nod to the struggle, the 2017 Mental Health Day theme is mental health in the workplace.

While work is good for positive mental health, a negative environment can swiftly lead to physical and mental health problems, according to The World Health Organization.

The organization estimates that more than 300 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Another 260 million are living with anxiety disorders, and many live with both.

Such disorders make a very real impact on the economy. In fact, a WHO-led study estimated that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy about $1 million each year in lost productivity.

Here's a look at important information to note when considering the role of mental health in the workplace:

Work-Related Risk Factors

Harassment and bullying at work are some of the most commonly reported issues and often trigger work-related stress. According to WHO, work-related risks to mental health also include:

• inadequate health and safety policies within a company;
• poor communication between employees and their managers;
• employees' limited participation in decision-making or control over work;
• low levels of support for employees;
• inflexible working hours;
• unclear tasks or organizational objectives and goals.

It's important to create a workplace that prioritizes the health, safety and well-being of employees. The World Economic Forum notes this goal can be achieved by making a concerted effort to protect mental health and reduce work-related risk factors. This can be done by:

• promoting mental health in the workplace and adapting to fit different needs;
• support a healthy work-life balance;
• addressing all mental health problems regardless of cause;
• researching what other companies have done to provide support;
• providing support and directing employees where to find additional help;
• developing and enforcing health and safety policies;
• getting employees involved in the workplace and supporting career development and creativity.

To work toward success, employers and employees can:

• build trust and a "working relationship" by establishing known expectations, as well as supporting cooperation and partnership;
• discuss needs open and honestly without judgment;
• make resources known.

A full fact sheet from WHO can be found here.

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