Work plays a central role in shaping our identity, whether at home or outside. It is more than just a means of financial survival as work provides social interaction, personal growth and a sense of purpose.

However, the workplace can also become a source of stress, affecting both physical and mental health. Therefore, creating a positive and supportive work environment becomes important not only for productivity but also for overall well-being.

The role of work in shaping identity

A positive work environment can add meaning, structure and purpose to one’s life, provide a sense of identity, boost self-confidence and provide a social outlet.

However, the opposite is also true – a toxic workplace in which long hours, excessive workload, poor support systems and even harassment can lead to significant mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Is.

Unsafe physical conditions and equipment further increase this stress.

Such environments not only have adverse effects on mental health, but can also result in serious physical health problems, especially cardiovascular problems. For both employers and employees, it is important to understand this connection between workplace stress and overall health.

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The global impact of mental health issues in the workplace is staggering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 12 billion workdays are lost each year due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy approximately $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity, absenteeism and employee turnover. .

The recent tragic incident of a 26-year-old chartered accountant in Pune due to workplace stress highlights the dangerous reality that many professionals face today.

This tragic incident, combined with this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, ‘Mental Health at Work’, points to the urgency of addressing these issues.

While everyone experiences bad days at work, mostly due to stress, anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion, when these symptoms become chronic (persistent), it indicates a deeper issue.

Persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritation should be taken seriously. Mental health problems manifest differently from person to person, and what may start as an occasional bad mood can turn into a serious condition if not taken care of.

How to promote mental health in the workplace?

Promoting mental health in the workplace involves raising awareness, building skills and creating opportunities to identify and prevent mental health problems before they become serious.

Simple steps like talking openly about feelings, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, fostering positive relationships, and taking regular breaks can go a long way in maintaining mental health.

Encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and providing constructive feedback is also essential to fostering a positive work culture.

In addition to self-care strategies, when individual measures are not enough to reduce mental stress, it is necessary to seek professional help.

A key point that employees and employers should embrace is the acceptance of failure and the importance of focusing on self-assets rather than limitations.

This creates a more flexible and self-aware workforce. Providing access to mental health resources in the workplace, such as counseling services, wellness programs, and mental health awareness initiatives, can make a significant difference in preventing burnout and other mental health issues.