International Stress Awareness Week and why businesses can no longer ignore mental health | London Daily News

In the fast-paced world of modern business, where the line between personal life and professional work is increasingly blurred, the mental health of employees is often an overlooked cost of productivity. Work stress, anxiety, burnout and increased alcohol and drug use do not affect individuals; they destroy the foundations of companies. During International Stress Awareness Week (4th-8th November), it’s time for businesses to recognize that employee well-being is not just a “nice-to-have” – ​​it’s essential for long-term success long.

According to Lee Hawker, Clinical Director at The Cabin Chiang Mai, a leading addiction and mental health treatment center, businesses have been slow to adapt to the growing problem of mental health in the workplace. “Many employers are still treating mental health as a major issue,” says Hawker. But the truth is, it is worth everything. Stressed and fatigued employees are less able to perform at their best, and when mental health issues are not addressed, they can quickly turn into substance abuse, absenteeism or worse.”

The Invisible Burden of Stress

The statistics are alarming. According to the Health and Safety Executive, stress, depression, or anxiety accounts for 57% of all working days lost due to illness in the UK. Many workers feel that the demands of work are increasing, while their ability to cope is decreasing. Long working hours, remote work, and constant connectivity mean that stress is no longer confined to the office. It’s everywhere.

The mental health problems of not being able to switch off are many, people work long hours, often isolate themselves, and many turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to escape. These are not just personal issues; it’s workplace issues. Managers must understand that mental health and substance use are linked.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse: The Silent Problem

While this epidemic has brought about easier working conditions, it has increased existing mental health problems. A recent study found that one in five employees admitted to drinking alcohol while working from home. And while some may see this as harmless, it points to a larger issue: workers are using substances to manage stress, anxiety and burnout.

“As someone who has worked in the field of addiction recovery for many years, I have seen firsthand how work-related stress can lead people to use alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism,” explains Hawker. that situation. “This is not something employers can afford to ignore. It’s not about guilt; it’s about support and early intervention.”

Solutions That Work: What Businesses Can Do

Hawker emphasizes that while raising awareness about mental health is important, real change only happens when businesses commit to creating a supportive and open environment. So, how can businesses take effective steps to protect the mental health of their employees?

Open Chat
Stigma around mental health still exists in many workplaces, making it difficult for employees to speak up. Employers need to create an environment where mental health is openly discussed, just like physical health. It starts with transparent leadership and encouraging conversations about stress and well-being.

See Warning Signs
Managers must be trained to recognize early signs of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse in their teams. Usually, it’s not about the person showing up drunk at work, it’s about the subtleties: missing appointments, not participating, mood swings. These are red flags that should not be ignored.

Provide Real Support
Providing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), access to confidential counseling, and flexible work arrangements are important tools to help employees manage stress. You can’t expect employees to perform at their best when they are drowning in personal problems. Give them tools and support to deal with this situation.

Create a Reviving Culture
In addition to individual support, the broader culture of the workplace needs attention. Is the job manageable? Are the deadlines correct? Building a healthy workplace culture is about creating stability. The work is not always easy, but it should not be so difficult that people feel trapped.

Drug Abuse Laws: Punitive or Supportive?

One of the most sensitive areas for businesses is how to deal with drug abuse. Many employers have policies, but they often focus on punishment rather than support. Hawker believes this trend needs to change. He says: “It’s not about working as a police officer. “It’s about creating ways for those who are struggling to get help without fear of losing their job. The method of punishment only allows the problem to exist in secret.”

He continues: “Addiction does not start in isolation. “It is associated with depression, anxiety and mental health problems. By providing support rather than punishment, businesses will not only save workers’ jobs but often their lives as well.”

The Role of Managers in Preventing Burnout

Managers play an important role in solving these problems. It is the first line of defense when it comes to spotting signs of fatigue or drug use. However, many managers lack the training or confidence to have difficult conversations about mental health.

“Managers don’t have to be mental health professionals,” Hawker assures, “but they do need to know how to listen, how to see when something is wrong, and how to refer people to that help.” those who need it. Promoting work-life balance, offering mental health days, and ensuring employees don’t feel burdened by important responsibilities. ”

Looking Ahead: The Case for Self-Employment

Some business leaders may question the financial return of investing in mental health initiatives, but the evidence is clear. A mentally healthy workplace is more productive. Research shows that for every pound spent on mental health, businesses see a return of £5 in reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and lower turnover. workers.

Investing in mental health is not just the right thing to do; it’s also a smart thing to do. If we want to build businesses that can thrive in the future, we need to take care of the people who build them.”

Changing Alert Action

During International Stress Week, businesses have an opportunity to think about the role they play in the well-being of their employees. It’s time for workplaces to move from raising awareness to taking concrete action.

Employees are the backbone of any organization, their mental health should not be an afterthought. By creating supportive, open spaces and providing real tools to manage stress and substance use, businesses can foster a culture that is not only caring but thriving.

References

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay