The Express Blog has launched a new series called The Value of Mentorship for leaders and job seekers. This is the final blog post of the 12-part series.
With employees across various industries adapting to organizational changes in the aftermath of a global pandemic, there’s no denying that workplace challenges can take a toll on mental health. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety alone account for 12 billion lost working days each year.
Employee Perspective on Mental Health
Workers may feel reluctant to talk about their mental health at work because of the negative attitudes around it, but here are a few surveys about how workers are dealing with mental health.
US
A poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association revealed half of U.S. workers say they are comfortable talking about their mental health in the workplace. However, more than one-third are worried about job consequences if they seek mental health care.
International
International HR company Peninsula polled more than 79,000 businesses, including those in Canada and Australia, and 43% of employers say they’ve witnessed workers engaging and talking more about mental health.
Mentorship as a Way to Support Mental Health
One proactive solution companies can take is to encourage mentoring at work which can help foster an environment that prioritizes employee wellbeing.
According to Guider, here are some ways mentorships can benefit mental health:
- Reducing anxiety
- Helping employees feel less isolated
- Increasing self-confidence
- Providing a safe space of trust
- Creating optimism and hope about the future
Mentors and mentees share a special bond because having someone to support you in the workplace can benefit your mental health. Mentors who allow their mentees to express their professional, and sometimes personal issues, that affect their mental health can help improve company culture and strengthen the mentor-mentee relationship.
Contact a Mental Health Professional
If the stress gets to be too much, and you notice it’s starting to affect your work, it might be time to schedule a visit with a mental health professional. Your healthcare provider should be able to connect you with someone who can help work through your stress and recommend treatment. Or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline by calling (800) 662-HELP (4357). The Canadian Mental Health Association also provides resources and support for individuals seeking help with mental health concerns.
Disclaimer: These general guidelines do not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a physician to determine best health practices for your needs.
Interested in reading more articles on mentorship? Check out previous posts from the Express Blog’s Value of Mentorship series:
- Mentorship: Benefits of Company Initiatives in the US and Canada
- Mentorship: Benefits of Workplace Initiatives in the US and Canada
- Mentorship: 6 Tips for New Mentors
- Mentorship: Overcoming Challenges
- Mentorship: DEI(B) and Mentoring Programs
- 4 Benefits of Having a Mentor During Your Job Search
- Mentorship: 3 Mistakes Mentors Make and How to Avoid Them
- 4 Reasons to Put Reverse Mentorship into Action
- Mentorship: Joys of Being a Mentor
- End a Mentoring Relationship
- Mentorship: Starting a Company Initiative
