Why addressing mental health at work matters

People are a lot more comfortable discussing mental health, these days, and we think that is a good thing. Not just for employees who benefit from improved states of mind, but also for employers who reap the rewards of a more present, engaged workforce.

The truth is, mental health affects us all in some way, whether it’s our own struggle or that of someone we know. In any given year, nearly 20% of adults in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness. That means one out of every five workers you employ could be battling a mood-altering health condition that affects their personal life and, ultimately, their job performance.

Employers have an obligation to provide a safe, healthy work environment—and that is not limited to physical well-being. In this blog post, we’ll gain a better understanding of mental illness, learn how to identify the challenges it can pose in the workplace, and provide strategies for keeping employees healthy, happy, and productive.

Understanding mental illness

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a mental illness is any health condition that causes changes in emotion, thinking, behavior, or a combination of the three. Mental illness is common and treatable, with most individuals maintaining full functionality in their lives.

 

continue reading »