Workplace Factors That Can Harm Our Mental Health

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Our place of employment should provide a sense of accomplishment, connection, purpose, structure, and a role identity. Working in this kind of environment helps protect us against the onset of anxiety or depression.

The reality is many of us spend hours every workday in situations that are psychologically unhealthy. This is a problem not only for employees, but for the companies we work for since it leads to reduced productivity and increased absenteeism.

Work Stressors

Though it is counterproductive for all involved, many of us have come to expect the workplace to be extremely stressful. One way to change this is an awareness of, and conversation about the specific job issues that create mental and emotional fatigue, such as:

  • Being in a position where work expectations and demands are high, but control over the work involved is limited, or nonexistent.
  • Rewards are lacking or unsuited to the job requirements. Examples are an inadequate salary, and a lack of recognition or appreciation for work contributions.
  • Job insecurity, such as continuous rumors or threats of downsizing.
  • Relationship problems in the workplace, including bullying.
  • An inadequate organizational structure that impedes the flow of resources and information.

When analyzing factors that contribute to workplace mental health issues, problems in employee’s personal lives must be also looked at, as well as each individual’s temperament, coping skills, and communication ability. However, even workers with productive habits and honed skills can buckle under the continuous pressure of toxic labor environments.

Look Out For Yourself

We humans can handle a lot of stress and this has helped us survive as a species. It also means we may over-tolerate situations that damage our mental health, and when an environment hurts us psychologically it affects our physical health as well.

If you are experiencing job-related anxiety, a low or unstable mood, constant irritability or anger, chronic fatigue, a sense of hopelessness, or dread protect your well being.

Share your thoughts and feelings with friends, family, a mentor, or trusted colleague, and see your physician. Consider consulting with a professional counselor, or utilizing your company’s EAP (Employee Assistance Provider). Think carefully about whom you might talk to at work, and whether it’s time to look for a more favorable occupational environment.

Source: News In Mind
Photo credit: reynermedia

 
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