Almost every safety professional I have spoken to in the past couple of years said they were acutely aware of improving the mental health of their employees.
Companies are trying a number of methods to tackle this issue. In fact a recent article called out seven companies who are providing "world class" programs. Companies include Johnson & Johnson, Unilver and Union Pacific.
Even with the example of these companies, and the increased focus on the important of mental health, and its effect on workplace engagement and productivity, it's not always easy to spot.
A recent article in HR Digest provided a list of signs that indicate employees are struggling. Author Eva Martinez offers these signs as a way to "open the door to a conversation on what cane be done to help."
- Frequent tardiness and inability to keep up with work deadlines
- Constant tiredness and apparent exhaustion or frequent illness
- 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, keeping up with instructions, completing tasks, etc.
- Frequent conflicts with team members
- Decline in the quality of work that isn’t resolved by changing work parameters
- Increased sensitivity as compared to their previous demeanor
- Decline of interest in initiatives
Resoures:
Here are some articles from EHS Today related to the topic that might be of interest:
Mental Health is Making Workplaces Safer
Ways to Improve Employee Mental Health
How to Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Health in the Workplace
Warning: The Workplace Could be Hazardous to Your Mental Health
