The Hardest Job: Fighting Mental Health Issues

BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|

Work, whatever it is, can undoubtedly affect people’s mental health with conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc. However, not many employers are aware of this situation.

According to the Department of Employment Services[1] , The District of Columbia saw a yearly increase of 10,355 jobs in the Private Sector with a decrease in unemployment of 0.4% compared to the previous year. Within these jobs, many show situations like low job performance and productivity, problems with engagement with one’s work, weaknesses in communication with coworkers and other affectations that stand out as mental health issues.

Of these, as evidenced in the study by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions[2] : Of 100% of workers who underwent the study, 65% of them report that mental health issues have directly impacted their ability to work, 24% report either significant or extreme impacts and 40% said they felt or came close to feeling completely burned out. The coronavirus pandemic has caused 81% of workers to have experienced some impact to their emotional well-being.

The study also reported: “35% [of workers] said they did not believe their employer cared about their mental health beyond their ability to be productive”. Much has to do with the environment in which they are or the boss they have. That is why employers are invited to take the initiative to pay attention to the emotional health of all those who make up their company or team. It is recommended to create a supportive space that encourages discussion, advocate for employees through policies and initiatives, and cultivate a culture that embraces mental well-being.

References

[1]https://does.dc.gov/page/labor-statistics

[2]https://www.lyrahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/LYRA-NA-Employee-Mental-Health-Report.pdf