Almost every safety professional I’ve spoken to over the past two years said they were keenly aware of the improvement in their employees’ mental health.
Companies are trying several methods to solve this problem. In fact one recent article called out seven companies that offer “world-class” programs. Companies include Johnson & Johnson, Unilver and Union Pacific.
Even with the example of these companies and the increased attention paid to the importance of mental health and its effects on engagement and productivity in the workplace, it’s not always easy to spot.
A recent article in HR Digest provided a list of signs that employees are struggling. AAuthor Eva Martinez offers these signs as a way to “open the door to a conversation about what can be done to help.”
- Frequent delays and inability to meet work deadlines
- Constant fatigue and apparent exhaustion or frequent illnesses
- Inconsistent moods and frequent fluctuations
- Sudden change in personality traits – includes withdrawal from projects, social circles and activities
- Extreme nervousness and being on the edge
- Difficulty concentrating, following instructions, completing tasks, etc.
- Frequent conflicts with team members
- Decrease in work quality that is not resolved by changing job settings
- Increased sensitivity compared to their previous behavior
- Declining interest in initiatives
Resources :
Here are some articles from EHS today related to the subject that might interest you:
Mental Health makes workplaces safer
Ways to Improve Employee Mental Health
How to reduce stress and improve mental health at work
Warning: The workplace could be dangerous for your mental health
