Surgeon General’s New Framework For Mental Health And Well-being In The Workplace Will Boost Employee Productivity and Success
On October 10th, 2022, the Office of the Surgeon General as the nation’s doctor announced a Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being. This is a significant step forward in recognizing the importance of workplace mental health, which has become a pressing issue in recent years. Some important statistics that indicate why this framework was the need of the hour:
- 76% of U.S. workers report at least one symptom of a mental health condition.
- 84% of respondents said their workplace conditions contributed to at least one mental health challenge.
- 81% of workers reported that they will be looking for workplaces that support mental health in the future.
Workplace well-being has a significant impact on productivity and organizational performance. The rise in chronic diseases and mental health concerns, as well as COVID, has magnified these challenges. Investing in workplace well-being can result in a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce, contributing to the success and economic well-being of an organization. The U.S. labor movement has advocated for worker well-being, including health care and occupational health and safety regulations and protections. The Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being includes five essentials to address workplace mental health and well-being based on human needs. Organizations can use this framework to support their workplaces as engines of mental health and well-being.
Here are some of the highlights from the new framework:
Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being
Protection from Harm
Protection from harm in the workplace means creating physical and psychological safety for employees. This can include measures to prevent physical injuries and accidents, as well as promote mental health and well-being by addressing issues like workplace stress, harassment, and discrimination. Prioritize physical and psychological safety. Here’s what employers can do:
- Ensure adequate rest for workers
- Encourage a focus on mental health
- Implement Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) policies
Connection and Community
Connection and community in the workplace refer to fostering positive social interactions and relationships between workers. This can lead to increased feelings of belonging and support, which have been shown to positively impact mental health and well-being. Here’s what employers can do:
- Create a culture of inclusion and belonging
- Cultivate trusted relationships
- Foster collaboration and teamwork
Work-Life Harmony
Work-life harmony refers to creating a balance between work and personal life that reduces stress and promotes well-being. This balance is essential to maintaining good mental health as it enables individuals to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment outside of work. Here’s what employers can do:
- Provide autonomy over how work is done
- Make schedules flexible and predictable
- Increase access to paid leave
- Respect boundaries between work and non-work time
Mattering at Work
Mattering at work means feeling valued and appreciated by colleagues and supervisors, as well as feeling like one’s work is meaningful and contributes to a larger purpose. This sense of mattering is important for mental health and well-being because it can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction. Here’s what employers can do:
- Provide a living wage
- Involve workers in workplace decisions
- Encourage a culture of gratitude and recognition
- Connect individual work with organizational mission
Opportunity for Growth
Opportunities for growth at the workplace refer to providing employees with the chance to develop their skills and advance their careers. This can positively impact their mental health and well-being by increasing their sense of purpose, self-efficacy, and job satisfaction. Here’s what employers can do:
- Offer quality training, education, and mentoring
- Foster clear, equitable pathways for career advancement
- Ensure relevant, reciprocal feedback
The Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-being is designed to help workplace leaders create an environment that promotes mental health and well-being. By applying these essentials, leaders can engage all workers and equitably support their mental health and well-being. These evidence-informed practices can be applied across workplaces of all sizes and industries to promote a healthier and more productive workforce.
How Mental Health Affects Workers’ Performance
Studies have shown that workplace stress and mental health issues can have a negative impact on employee performance. Workplace stress has been reported to cause 120,000 deaths in the US each year. When individuals are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, their ability to focus, problem-solve, and communicate can be compromised. This can lead to reduced productivity, decreased engagement, and lower job satisfaction.
In some cases, mental health issues can also result in physical symptoms, such as fatigue or chronic pain, which can further impair a person’s ability to perform well at work. Additionally, untreated mental health conditions can lead to absenteeism and increased turnover rates, which can be costly for employers.
It’s important for employers to recognize the ways in which mental health can impact their employees’ performance and to take steps to create a workplace culture that supports mental health and well-being. This can include offering mental health resources and support, promoting work-life balance, and prioritizing employee well-being as a core value of the organization. By creating a culture that values mental health and well-being, employers can help ensure that their employees are able to perform at their best and thrive both in and outside of work.
The Importance and Benefits of Creating a Culture of Well-Being in the Workplace
Creating a culture of well-being in the workplace is essential for promoting positive mental health and supporting workers’ overall well-being. Some of the key benefits of creating such a culture include:
- Improved employee morale: When workers feel supported and valued in the workplace, they are more likely to feel optimistic about their jobs and employer. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and improved morale, which can in turn boost productivity and reduce turnover rates.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: By creating a culture that prioritizes well-being, employers can help to reduce stress and anxiety among workers. This can have a significant impact on job performance, as workers who are less stressed and anxious are more able to focus on their work and meet deadlines.
- Improved physical health: There is a clear link between mental health and physical health, and workers who are struggling with mental health issues may also experience physical health problems. By promoting well-being in the workplace, employers can help to improve both mental and physical health outcomes for workers.
- Increased productivity: When workers are in good mental and physical health, they are better able to perform their jobs effectively. This can lead to increased productivity and improved job performance, which can benefit both the individual worker and the organization.
- Improved employee retention: Workers who feel supported and valued in the workplace are more likely to stay with their employer over the long term. By creating a culture of well-being, employers can help to retain their best workers and reduce turnover rates.
Overall, creating a culture of well-being in the workplace is essential for promoting positive mental health and supporting workers’ overall well-being. By prioritizing well-being, employers can improve morale, reduce stress and anxiety, improve physical health, increase productivity, and improve employee retention rates.
