When we show up to work, it’s very difficult to leave all of our personal problems and emotions at the door. It's not always easy to compartmentalise our lives like that because we are human beings and things that are affecting us can’t always be contained and sealed off so easily. Even when we think we have, our bodies may tell a different story. Here at the Bodart Practice we believe that integration and wholeness is essential for workplace wellbeing.
What exactly is workplace wellbeing? Simply put, it's creating an environment that encourages employees to thrive in ways that benefit both themselves and their workplace (CIPD, 2007). Unfortunately, for a long time, employee wellbeing wasn't a top priority for businesses. In 2017, for example, only 7% of mental health support offered was related to the workplace (WHO, 2017). Yet difficulties with mental health cost UK employers an estimated £45 billion annually (Deloitte, 2020).
Factors Impacting Workplace Wellbeing
There are many factors that can impact mental health and overall wellbeing in the workplace. Here are a few common ones
Burnout
Burnout has three distinct components: exhaustion, cynicism, and professional inefficacy (Maslach, Schaufeli, & Leiter, 2001). Exhaustion is the most obvious symptom, where people feel drained both physically and emotionally, impacting their efficiency. Cynicism refers to a withdrawal and depersonalisation that happens as people become demotivated. Finally, professional inefficacy refers to the negative feelings of guilt and failure that are associated with decreased productivity. Burnout can also impact physical health, leading to consequences such as chronic fatigue, type 2 diabetes, and weakened immune systems (Leiter, Hakanen & Ahola, 2013).
Stress
It's important to differentiate between burnout and stress (Smith, Segal & Robinson, 2020). Stress is defined by over-engagement rather than disengagement (a component of burnout), exhibited through symptoms such as fatigue, procrastination, and feelings of helplessness. If people are under too much stress for too long, it can have an impact on their mental and physical health. For example, it may lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, back pain or heart problems.
Loneliness
This is a lesser-discussed psychological experience caused by the gap between an individual's social needs and the amount they actually socialise (Cacioppo et al., 2006). Loneliness was more prevalent during the pandemic, with limited interventions and increasing stigma around it (Van der Velden et al., 2020). When working from home in such a context, it can be hard to connect with colleagues, leading to feelings of isolation and further exacerbating loneliness, especially for those who live alone or have few social connections outside the workplace.
Toxic environment
This refers to work environments where the atmosphere, the people, the work or a combination of these factors cause disruption. A study published in the British Medical Journal shows that a negative work environment can increase employees' risk of depression and other psychological issues.
Tips to improve workplace wellbeing
What can we do to tackle negative workplace wellbeing? Here are some tips
Connect with people
Social connection is important for our mental health in general and it’s no different when it comes to the workplace, especially in the recent climate where remote work has become more common. You can create opportunities for interaction with colleagues online and it’s also important to spend time with colleagues regularly to maintain relationships and to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Take regular breaks
Taking breaks throughout the workday is essential for maintaining productivity and reducing stress levels. You can incorporate short breaks into your schedule, such as taking a walk or using a short non-sleep deep rest, to help break up long periods of sitting or working on the computer. Regular breaks will help you to refocus and recharge, which can ultimately improve your overall work performance.
Recognise stressors
It's important to be aware of stressors in your life outside of work that may be impacting your mental health and wellbeing. Take some time to reflect and identify these stressors and take steps to address them, such as practicing mindfulness or seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
Promote an environment of open communication
Creating an environment where people feel comfortable talking about their experiences and feelings can help to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage people to seek support if needed. This can be achieved through regular check-ins with colleagues, creating safe spaces for open discussions, and offering mental health resources and support.
Set clear boundaries
It's important to set clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout and maintain work-life balance. This can include setting specific work hours, taking time off when needed, and avoiding work-related emails and calls outside of work hours. Setting boundaries can help you to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which can ultimately improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Support for you and your workplace
If you would like some help with your wellbeing as it relates to work, then we would be happy to hear from you and to discuss options for individual support. If you would like to discuss interventions and services for your workplace then take a look at the ways we work with organisations to support their wellbeing initiatives and speak to us if you’d like to explore this further.
There are also some great resources available such as:
Resources to download from Mind charity
Health workplaces report from World Health Organisation
References
Cacioppo JT, Hawkley LC, Thisted RA. Perceived social isolation makes me sad: 5-year cross-lagged analyses of loneliness and depressive symptomatology in the Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study. Psychology and Aging. 2010;25(2):453–63.
CIPD (2007) What’s happening with well-being at work? Available at: http://www.cipd.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/DCCE94D7-781A-485A-A702 6DAAB5EA7B27/0/whthapwbwrk.pdf
Deloitte (2020). Poor mental health costs UK employers up to £45 billion a year. Retrieved 9 January 2022 from: https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/pressreleases/articles/poor-mental-health-costs-uk-employers-up-to-pound-45-billion-a-year.html.
Leiter, M.P., Hakanen, J.J., Ahola, K. (2013), Organizational predictors and health consequences of changes in burnout: A 12-year cohort study. Organizational Behavior, 34(9), 959-973.
Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual review of psychology, 52(1), 397-422.
Smith, M., Segal, J., & Robinson, L. (2021). Burnout Prevention and Treatment - HelpGuide.org. Retrieved 9 January 2022, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout- prevention-and-recovery.htm.
WHO (2017). Mental Health Atlas; World Health Organization: Geneva, Switzerland.
Zadow A.J, Dollard MF, Dormann C, et al (2021).
Predicting new major depression symptoms from long working hours, psychosocial safety climate and work engagement: a population-based cohort study.
Written and edited by Dhanisha Vora, Dr Hannah Green & Dr Natalie Bodart