If you’re spending thousands of dollars talking to a professional, yet still feel stressed after a day at the office, it might be time to pay attention to your boss.
Your manager plays an important role in your mental health, according to new research.
The Workforce Institute in the UK surveyed 3,400 people in 10 countries to find out the role managers play in influencing their employees’ mood and found it equated to that of a spouse or partner.
In fact, managers have more influence over workers’ mental health than both doctors and therapists, according to the study.
So it’s not surprising that 60% of those surveyed said that their work is the biggest factor affecting their mental health.
This may paint a bleak picture, but research suggests that the pendulum swings both ways: Leaders can affect the emotional well-being of their team, for worse or better.
Meanwhile, for stressed workers, the study highlights that it may be time to search for pastures new.
Work usually affects mental health for the worse
Despite being able to positively influence well-being, work appears to be doing just the opposite for most employees. 64% of respondents said that work negatively affects their well-being.
Women feel worse in this. Nearly a quarter of female respondents said their jobs negatively affect their mental health. This dropped to 16% for men.
Coincidentally (and as women statistically take on the lion’s share of housework) there was a direct correlation between the inability to balance work and home priorities with poor mental health.
Meanwhile, nearly half of those surveyed reported feeling exhausted by the end of the workday — and “often” or “always” stressed about work.
According to research, stress has an impact on other areas of workers’ lives and is detrimental to their home life, relationships and work performance. As a result, employees stressed by their manager or workplace are voting with their feet.
More than 80% of workers worldwide, and 70% in the US, would take a pay cut for a job that better supported their mental health. But out of all generations in the workforce, Gen Z and millennial workers prioritize good mental health over a high-paying job.
Mental health of employees is worse than managers think
When it comes to workplace wellness, it’s clear that employers and employees are not on the same page.
An overwhelming majority of HR and C-suite leaders (90%) think their workplace has a positive impact on the mental health of workers. Yet only half the employees would agree.
Similarly, while 9 out of 10 people’s managers believed they had created an environment where employees felt comfortable communicating frustrations, only 64% of employees agreed.
Meanwhile, the feeling that their managers won’t care or are too busy is keeping employees from relieving their stress.
That’s why 38% of employees “rarely” or “never” talk to their manager about it.
How managers can influence their employees to improve their mental health
Research highlights that the mental health of workers is much bleaker than that of managers – and that employees may be suffering in silence.
“Leaders need to avoid burying their heads in the sand and instead make mental health a global topic of discussion among their teams,” the report said.
A good starting point is for employers to find out whether work is negatively impacting employees’ mental health through anonymous surveys.
“From there HR can raise awareness or access available resources and help employees better understand the company’s total investment in their health and well-being,” the study said.
It also suggests that managers be open about their own personal struggles with mental health, to demystify the topic and encourage open dialogue.
The researchers point out that “by expressing vulnerability yourself, you create a safe space for employees to fully work in order to work. In turn, this will help you better understand how you can help.” Are.”
In the meantime, managers should encourage employees to take more time off from work. Most workers do not use all their allotted annual leave, despite it being beneficial for their mental well-being. Trouble is, neither does management and the C-suite.
“Management should always be nice to its people by taking meaningful time off so that everyone knows it’s best practice to come back rested, refreshed and focused,” the report said.
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