Why Do People Pay Attention To Psychological Health At Work? Powerful Tips To Boost Well-Being And Performance

Mental health is a topic gaining increasing attention each year, and prioritizing psychological well-being is becoming essential for many. With more education on mental health, the demand for qualified psychologists, empathetic leaders, and widespread support continues to grow. This shift is driven not only by rising stress levels due to economic and political challenges but also by the transition of mental health care from a stigmatized issue to an openly discussed and valued topic.

Considering that we spend 70% of our conscious life at work, the psychological state during the performance of tasks and communication with the team should be consistently good. We all face deadlines, overwork, and conflicts, but if your work brings stress on a regular basis, this is a reason to think about your health. Let's figure out together why psychological health deserves your attention—both at home and at work.

Note: The article is for informational purposes. If you have any problems with your mental health, contact a specialist.

Is Mental Health a Chronic Problem?

In his book Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, Robert Sapolsky explains that while zebras occasionally experience acute stress—like facing a predator—humans face chronic stress from ongoing psychological threats. Unlike the intense but brief stress a zebra feels, our stress often lingers, which gradually wears on our bodies, lifestyles, moods, and ultimately our relationships.

For instance, working late into the night for a few days to complete a big project is manageable, but consistently working such hours can lead to severe consequences. Chronic stress not only increases the risk of psychological issues like depression, burnout, and disordered eating, but it can also weaken the immune system, impacting overall health—a concept Sapolsky discusses in depth.

Constant stress at work is compounded by external pressures and family concerns, creating a relentless "cocktail" of anxiety that taxes the body daily. This unrelenting stress is something many Russians understand well, underscoring the importance of seeking psychological support rather than ignoring the mind’s calls for help.

How Does Mental Health Impact Work?

You’ve likely heard phrases about leaving problems at the door or the importance of “staying focused.” While this tough-it-out approach can work temporarily, it has a significant limitation—it doesn’t last. The human psyche can’t simply ignore or shut off accumulating stress, and memory doesn’t have an on/off switch. Whether we like it or not, chronic stress has consequences, including serious impacts on work performance. So, what happens if we neglect mental health?

Burnout

One of the most common conditions in today’s fast-paced world is burnout: if you work hard without rest, eventually your body will demand a break, often in inconvenient or disruptive ways. Burnout symptoms include apathy, drowsiness, reluctance to communicate, avoidance of work, and struggles with even simple tasks.

Depression

A serious mental health condition, depression presents with symptoms ranging from apathy to an inability to manage basic tasks, like getting out of bed. If you experience any signs of depression, it’s crucial to consult a specialist.

Aggression

Constant stress can lead to aggression, often visible in work settings as irritability, shouting, or overreactions. This stress response can transform a once positive manager into someone withdrawn or resentful, undermining team cohesion.

Manipulation and Provocation

Some employees may begin to manipulate or provoke others as an expression of dissatisfaction or exhaustion with their work. This can be a subconscious desire to exit the company, leading to task sabotage, rudeness, setting ultimatums, or undermining colleagues. Unfortunately, even the most kind-hearted individuals aren’t immune to such stress responses.

As mentioned, most of our waking hours are spent at work, and mental health issues don’t discriminate—they impact work, relationships, hobbies, and personal wellbeing. Addressing mental health is essential to protecting both career and personal life.

How to Improve Mental Health?

Let’s begin with the simplest step—starting with yourself. Addressing mental health requires awareness of the problem; you need to recognize when you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and no longer able to handle stress calmly or objectively. Once you’ve acknowledged the issue, the next step is to assess its extent: how deeply has stress affected your mental state? At this stage, professional help may be beneficial, as self-diagnosis can be challenging. Fortunately, modern society offers many psychological support services, with flexible options for getting help either online or in person at a clinic.

Three Simple Ways Employers Can Support Employee Mental Health

Full-Time Psychologist

A full-time, trained, and highly qualified psychologist can offer invaluable support to employees within a company. After receiving an introduction to the organization, the psychologist has time to independently assess the team dynamics. Their observations can help identify issues that management might not be aware of or may overlook. It’s important to emphasize that the psychologist’s role is not to monitor or collect feedback but to offer support. Everything shared with the psychologist in a session remains confidential. This option is beneficial because the psychologist understands the company culture and can suggest solutions tailored to the specific needs of the team.

Medical Insurance with Psychological Support

This option is convenient for employees, as it gives them the flexibility to choose which specialist to see and when. Employees can access support either through a local clinic or online sessions. This service also allows them to address not only work-related stress but personal issues that may be affecting their well-being, offering a more holistic approach to mental health.

Adequate Leadership Attitude and Empathy

It’s well-established that workplace issues are often linked to team dynamics. An inadequate manager, poor teamwork, unclear task expectations, high demands, disregard for personal needs, or lack of empathy can all contribute to burnout. Employers can start supporting their employees’ mental health by fostering a human-centered approach to leadership. In 2022, 66% of employers actively supported their employees, and 31% directly asked what kind of support their colleagues needed.

At the core of this is the understanding that real people are behind the tasks and projects. By taking a comprehensive, empathetic approach to employee well-being, employers can help alleviate the challenges that come with stress and mental health struggles during tough times.