Psychological Issues at Work: 5 Ways to Help Employees

Psychological Problems in the Workplace: How They Affect Productivity

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the key psychological disorders that negatively impact work performance are depression, anxiety disorders, and addictions. These mental health problems cause significant damage to the global economy, costing it $1 trillion annually. It is important to recognize the impact of mental health on productivity and take measures to improve it. Support and treatment of mental disorders can significantly reduce economic losses and improve the quality of life of workers.

Among the common mental health problems are sleep disorders and somatoform disorders, in which mental conditions manifest through physical pain. More serious disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are less common, as emphasized by clinical psychologist and systemic psychotherapist Alexandra Menshikova. It is important to pay attention to symptoms and seek help promptly to avoid worsening the condition. Psychological support and therapy can significantly improve quality of life and help cope with these disorders.

Psychotic disorders can temporarily reduce work capacity. In the early stages of the disease, a person may be able to work; however, without proper treatment, they risk developing apathy, which in turn negatively impacts productivity and cognitive function. It is important to seek medical help promptly to prevent deterioration and ensure the support necessary to restore productivity. Understanding and treating psychotic disorders play a key role in maintaining quality of life and maintaining professional activity.

With proper treatment, even severe mental illnesses do not become an obstacle to successful professional activity. As Menshikova notes, mental disorders do not deprive a person of the ability to work, and work can even contribute to mental recovery. Effective treatment and support can help people with mental disorders successfully integrate into the work environment, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

Alcohol abuse has a significant impact on the workplace in various countries and industries. Alexander Shtulman, CEO of Corporate Health, emphasizes that alcohol-related problems outweigh the consequences caused by other forms of risky behavior. This highlights the importance of alcohol prevention and control to improve productivity and overall employee well-being. Companies must address these concerns to create a healthy work environment and reduce the negative impact of alcohol on productivity. While an employee arriving at work while intoxicated poses certain risks, significantly more problems arise from alcohol consumption in their personal lives. This can lead to decreased concentration, increased errors and distractions, and an increased risk of workplace accidents. Drinking alcohol outside of work negatively impacts overall productivity and workplace safety, which is important for employers and employees to consider.

Alcohol has a significant impact on performance, even in people who do not suffer from addiction. According to experts, approximately 10% of productivity problems are associated with alcoholics, while the remaining 90% are people who are not addicted but still experience negative consequences from alcohol consumption. This underscores the importance of understanding the impact of alcohol on health and productivity, even for those who consider themselves social consumers. Decreased concentration, memory impairment, and general fatigue can all be consequences of alcohol consumption, which in turn negatively impacts professional performance and personal effectiveness.

Family problems and personal difficulties, along with alcohol, have a significant impact on work performance. These factors can cause stress and depression, which, in turn, leads to tardiness, absenteeism, and an increased number of work errors. It is important to consider that the emotional state of employees is directly related to their productivity and overall well-being in the workplace. Resolving personal and family issues can significantly improve productivity and reduce stress.

How to protect employees with mental disorders from stressful situations at work

Alexandra Menshikova, an experienced psychologist, examines the impact of work process characteristics on people with mental disorders. Key stress factors in the workplace can negatively impact their mental health. Among them are high workload, lack of support from colleagues and management, and unclear task requirements. In addition, an unfavorable atmosphere in the team and a lack of opportunity for self-expression can aggravate the condition of such employees. Understanding these factors will help create a more positive working environment and support the mental health of employees.

• conflicts and criticism from management, which can cause a feeling of insecurity;
• unclear tasks and deadlines - phrases like "this should have been done yesterday" create additional pressure;
• violations of the work schedule - overtime and working on weekends can lead to burnout;
• lack of recognition - no bonuses or raises, even if the employee believes they are deserved;
• monotonous tasks that cause boredom and a desire to finish the work as quickly as possible;
• lack of personal space, especially in open offices, which is critical for people with anxiety disorders.

Menshikova notes that many people suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders often experience feelings of guilt and underappreciation. This may cause them to take on additional responsibilities in an effort to "earn" their place on the team. As a result, employers and colleagues may unknowingly burden such employees with complex tasks, which only aggravates their condition and reduces productivity. It is important to recognize these psychological aspects in order to create a more supportive work environment and prevent employee burnout.

Employees who have become indispensable to the team often face difficulties obtaining time off. Employers may be reluctant to let such employees go, citing the need for their presence, which creates a constant burden. This not only worsens the working conditions but can also lead to poor health and relapses. It is necessary to recognize the importance of rest for all employees to maintain their productivity and health.

People with bipolar disorder often face risks during periods of hypomania. During this period, they may overload themselves with tasks and work without breaks. This leads to rapid exhaustion and, as a consequence, to a sharp deterioration in mood, which can develop into deep depression. It is important to be aware of this dynamic in order to take timely action and provide the necessary support.

Supporting employees with mental disorders: what can be done

According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), employers should pay attention to raising employee awareness about mental health. The introduction of regular training in stress management and psycho-emotional literacy is becoming an important aspect of modern business. These initiatives help create a healthy work environment, promote productivity, and reduce employee burnout. Employers' active involvement in mental health issues not only improves the team climate but also contributes to the overall well-being of employees.

Alexander Shtulman highlights a key case in his practice that occurred in 2014. Amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine, one of the divisions of a foreign company turned to Corporate Health for help. Although employees continued to perform their work duties, psychologists realized that their internal state needed attention. This underscores the importance of psychological support in conditions of stress and instability, which is especially relevant for organizations operating in crisis regions.

Shtulman emphasizes that events like war have a significant impact on people's mental health. It's important to help people understand that experiencing anxiety and stress in such conditions is a normal reaction. Psychologists conducted training during which they explained that stress symptoms, such as insomnia and emotional outbursts, are natural responses to abnormal conditions. It's important not to ignore these symptoms and to seek professional help promptly to minimize the negative consequences for mental health.

Modern companies, including Ernst & Young and Johnson & Johnson, are increasingly recognizing the importance of their employees' mental health. In response, they are beginning to hire psychologists on staff or offer psychotherapists' services through voluntary health insurance (VHI) programs. Additionally, regular anonymous surveys are being introduced to assess employees' psychological well-being. This allows companies not only to care for their employees' well-being but also to improve overall productivity and team satisfaction. Mental health support is becoming an important aspect of corporate culture, fostering a healthy and productive work environment.

Some Western companies, such as Buffer, are creating open communication platforms that allow employees to discuss their psychological issues without fear of dismissal or social stigma. Buffer has a dedicated chat where employees can share their experiences. CEO Joel Gascoigne actively participates in these discussions, openly sharing his experience with a psychotherapist. Such initiatives contribute to a healthy corporate culture and improve employee emotional well-being.

However, such initiatives may be ineffective for large corporations in Russia, where mental disorders and psychological issues are often stigmatized. Cultural context plays a key role in how mental health is perceived, and solutions must be developed that are appropriate for the specific context. It is important to create a space for open discussions, reducing stigma, and supporting employees in matters of psychological well-being.