Between Mental Health Management And Office Space Productivity, By Juliet Agoyi

By Juliet Agoyi

Let me paint you a picture. Emma is a successful marketing executive, the kind of person who lights up every meeting and always has a solution to every problem. To her colleagues, she is the definition of 'put together.' But behind closed-doors , Emma is struggling. Long hours, back to back deadlines, and constant demands have pushed her to the brink.

When she closes her laptop at the end of the day, the anxiety doesnt go away. Her heart races as she lies awake, dreading the next day's tasks.

Now, she is not alone. Two in five employees experience mental health struggles, when a space meant for growth and connection, becomes a source of stress and anxiety.

Workplaces like Emma's are more common than we think. Too often, companies focus on output while neglecting the emotional and mental costs borne by their employees. Bosses are frequently out of touch, believing that as long as the numbers look good, the people behind them are fine too. But they arent.

People like Emma are struggling. And the price of that struggle can be high burnout, depression, absenteeism, and even staff turnover.

But what happens when workplaces change, when they start caring not just about what you do, but how you feel?

The theme for this year's World Mental Health Day which was marked yesterday, 10th of October, is "Mental Health at work." This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in the workplace and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.

This years theme is particularly significant as it recognises the impact of work on mental health and the importance of creating a workplace culture that prioritises mental health. The World Federation for Mental Health, WFMH, is encouraging individuals, organisation, and governments to take action to promote mental health in the workplace.

In many workplaces, employees find themselves in the same spiral- overwork, pressure, burnout. But unlike Emma, they choose to speak up about the anxiety and frustration that make it difficult to function at their best, the response from management can make all the difference.

When leaders truly listen, instead of just offering surface level encouragement, real change happens. Offering flexible working hours and even access to counseling services can provide the much needed relief. The flexibility will give breathing room. Although, the anxiety might not disappear overnight, but with support, it can be manageable. Employees won't have to choose between their mental health and their jobs because their workplace makes space for both.

Support matters. When companies invest in their employees' mental health, they invest in their overall success. Mental health training for managers, employee assistance programs, mindfulness initiatives aren't luxuries they're necessities.

The modern workplace is fast paced, demanding, and often unrelenting. Employers who recognise this and actively work to create a supportive environment not only foster happier employees but also more productive teams.

The bottom line is this: mental health at work isn't an employee's problem to solve alone. Companies need to do more than just provide the bare minimum. They need to create environments where employees can thrive, not just survive. A flexible work schedule, mental health days, open conversations without stigma-these are all small steps that can have a massive impact.

Imagine working in a place where your mental health is as important as your deadlines. What kind of employee would you be?

As we mark this year's World Mental Health Day, let us focus on "Mental Health at Work," let us move beyond raising awareness and start fostering real change. Paying attention to people's mental health should also be a fundamental human right. It is the foundation of everything else.