May is Mental Heath Awareness Month, but mental illness is a year round workplace exposure. It costs the American economy $210 billion annually, and 50% of the cost is borne by employers.
When mental health is not addressed in the workplace, it increases absenteeism, injuries and job turnover, and decreases productivity, profits, job performance, communication with co-workers and job satisfaction.
As posted on the MTI America website (mtiamerica.com/mental-health-in-the-workplace-and-what-action-to-take/?LICNG) organizations and employees can take action to reduce the risk.
- Leaders should develop a caring culture to address worker wellbeing.
- Invest in employee and leadership training.
- Have discussions about mental health; let employees know they are free to air their concerns.
- Employees should share their personal experiences and issues. (There should be no bullying of or retaliation against employees with mental health issues.)
- Offer mental health resources and assistance programs.
- Incorporate employee feedback into workplace policies and practices.
- Recognize employees for their work.