In recent months we have seen cases of famous people raising their voices about the importance of this issue. However, although there have been treatments to treat mental health for several decades, this topic remains taboo for many people, and those who need help are reluctant to seek it for fear of being judged or labeled.
Companies play a very important role. Several have already implemented policies to help employees with mental illness by offering support to them and their families, promoting self-awareness and sensitivity among their workforce, and working to eliminate offensive language and being more vigilant in identifying situations of concern. risk. However, there is still much to be done as a business community.
According to a study carried out in 2020 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mexico is the country with the worst balance between work and personal life. The reality is that cases of mental health problems in companies have grown mainly due to factors such as: long working hours, 24/7 internet connection, lack of growth and development outlook, intimidating bosses, lack of recognition of work and perception that compensation is not fair.
The burnout It is a disorder of emotional origin, with psychological and physical implications, caused by high levels of stress suffered for a long time in the work environment. This manifests itself through a state of physical and mental exhaustion that lasts over time and alters the worker’s personality and self-esteem.
Studies affirm that more than ¾ of the employees have experienced some type of burnout at your job in the last 24 months. This data does not surprise me if we think about the individual crises that people experience during the pandemic. Many faced challenges in their personal lives such as: health, family, economic situation and also doing their best to do their job.
With reports of burnout in their people, companies are turning to see the pressures that employees go through and understanding that they need time to rest and recharge. According to studies by Porter Novelli, 95% of business leaders say that the health and safety of their employees is important to the company, but for 93% of employees it is also extremely important to feel that their employers care about them.
It is encouraging to see that companies around the world are looking to innovate ways to lead with empathy and showing genuine concern for the well-being and mental health of their staff.
Some examples that I have seen companies implement are:
1. Additional days off (holidays).
2. Sporadic office closures, some businesses have closed for up to a week.
3. Support policies for work-life balance.
4. Flexible hours and hybrid return to the office.
5. Helplines to support people with symptoms of mental illness or burnout.
6. Mental health disability policies.
7. Health insurance with coverage for mental illness.
8. Training people to detect signs of mental illness in their peers.
9. Help for psychological treatment.