Mental health challenges lead to greater office absences

49% of HR leaders have observed an increase in mental health-related absences in the workplace according to a recent study by mental wellbeing platform Headspace. The report also highlighted that while 44% of employees sought mental health support from their managers, only a quarter of HR leaders stated that managers are required to undergo mental-health-specific training. Furthermore, 43% of employees reported that their managers had negatively impacted their mental health by failing to respect work-life boundaries or treating team members unequally.

The report also shed light on the broader impact of work stress on employees' overall well-being. A staggering 78% of employees believed that work stress had adversely affected their physical health, while 76% reported that work stress had contributed to the end of a personal relationship, such as a divorce or breakup. Additionally, 40% of employees indicated that work had negatively impacted their ability to care for their family or children's mental health.

To address these challenges, experts suggest that managers should consider employees' stress levels both within and outside of work, as mental health does not compartmentalize into work and non-work domains. They recommend that all managers undergo regular mental health training to better identify and support their team members' struggles. Moreover, organizations should offer holistic support packages, including rewards, subsidies, benefits, and appreciation, to help employees during times of crisis. Lastly, having mental health first aiders in the workplace and regularly discussing available support systems can help remove the stigma associated with seeking help and ensure that employees feel supported in their mental health journey.