In a world where one in five employees grapples with mental illness at some point in their lives, and a staggering estimated 12 billion workdays are forfeited annually due to depression and anxiety, addressing mental health concerns within the workplace may seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, according to management expert Emily Rosado-Solomon, there are preemptive and straightforward measures that employers can adopt to significantly impact employees dealing with chronic mental health conditions, one of which is as simple as conveying the message that it’s perfectly acceptable not to be okay.
Discover the four proactive steps that employers can take to alleviate mental stress among their workforce before it takes root. Learn why these practical actions to nurture well-being in the workplace are, regrettably, far from commonplace.
In recent years, mental health has emerged as a pivotal concern, one that has cast a long shadow over the modern workplace.
Work, in its essence, can be a positive contributor to our mental well-being. It provides not only a stable income but also structured routines, fosters positive relationships, and imparts a profound sense of purpose, achievement, and self-esteem.
Nonetheless, the realm of work can also pose substantial threats to mental health, emanating from factors like precarious employment, discrimination, and suboptimal working conditions.
According to a 2022 report jointly published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), an astonishing 12 billion workdays are squandered every year due to depression and anxiety. This monumental loss translates into a staggering economic toll, amounting to a colossal USD 1 trillion, primarily due to diminished productivity.
The magnitude of these challenges might appear overwhelming, but Emily Rosado-Solomon, our guest today, firmly believes that they are not insurmountable.
In her role as an Assistant Professor of Management at Babson College, a prestigious business school situated in Massachusetts, United States, she was part of a team of academic researchers dedicated to the exploration of workplace well-being and the mitigation of mental health risks for employees.
