Mental Wellbeing at Work: A Pillar of Business Sustainability

Catalina Rivera, labor law expert and attorney at ARIAS Costa Rica, shares this article on why mental wellbeing in the workplace is crucial for business sustainability. 

As we observe World Mental Health Week, it's essential to reflect on a topic that, while often overlooked, profoundly affects millions of workers and the success of organizations: mental health in the workplace. The increasing pace of work, pressure for results, and lack of support resources have significantly raised stress levels, anxiety, and other psychological disorders among employees. However, mental health is not just a personal concern; it is also a corporate responsibility that directly impacts productivity and financial performance. Now more than ever, leaders must recognize that caring for their teams' emotional wellbeing is not only an ethical obligation but also an investment that can determine the success or failure of an organization. 

Mental health: An urgent issue in the workplace 

Mental health disorders in the workplace are far more common than perceived. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 260 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and many of them are of working age. Add to that chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and other problems that impair employees' ability to perform effectively. While these issues are personal, the work environment can significantly influence their onset, persistence, or improvement. Therefore, managing psychosocial risks within companies should now be a top priority. 

The stigma surrounding mental illness at work also plays a key role in the lack of action. Many employees prefer not to discuss their psychological issues for fear of being seen as weak or incompetent, leading to a cycle of silent suffering that negatively impacts their wellbeing and productivity. World Mental Health Week is an ideal moment to break this stigma and open conversation about how companies can effectively support their employees. 

The cost of ignoring mental health at work 

Neglecting mental health in the workplace not only affects employees but also has a direct and measurable impact on company finances. According to the World Economic Forum, mental health issues cost the global economy approximately one trillion dollars annually in lost productivity. This enormous cost comes from various sources: increased absenteeism, higher employee turnover, errors made due to mental fatigue and emotional distress, and rising healthcare costs. 

Absenteeism, resulting from conditions like depression and anxiety, generates considerable economic losses, but the impact of "presenteeism" is often underestimated. Presenteeism refers to employees who, although physically present at work, cannot perform effectively due to mental health issues. This phenomenon is much harder to measure, but its effects on productivity are devastating. 

The responsibility of business leaders 

Given this reality, it is undeniable that business leaders have a significant responsibility to promote mental health in the workplace. Proper management of psychosocial risks, creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their problems and receiving the necessary help, is both an ethical and strategic obligation. 

There are many ways companies can foster an emotionally healthy environment. Some of the most effective include promoting flexible working hours that allow employees to balance their personal and professional lives, training in stress management and resilience, and implementing clear policies against workplace harassment and discrimination. 

Additionally, organizations must offer a workplace wellness plan that includes access to mental health services, such as psychological therapy, emotional wellbeing workshops, and confidential support hotlines. These resources should not only be available but also clearly communicated to employees, so they know they have access to the help they need. 

The benefits of investing in mental health  

Caring for employees' mental health not only reduces the risks associated with productivity loss and the costs stemming from psychological problems, but it also offers a range of benefits that can drive business success. Research shows that companies that invest in mental wellbeing programs see a significant return. According to the WHO, for every dollar invested in treating common mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, there is a four-dollar return in improved health and productivity. 

When employees feel supported and valued, their loyalty to the company increases, reducing staff turnover. This, in turn, lowers recruitment and training costs for new employees. Furthermore, a workplace that prioritizes emotional wellbeing is a magnet for talent. Top professionals prefer to work in companies where they feel cared for and where work-life balance is a priority. 

Fostering a healthy work environment also improves the organizational climate. Teams that experience less stress and burnout are more creative, collaborative, and efficient. Mental wellbeing boosts employees' ability to tackle challenges, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to the company's success. 

Conclusion 

Mental health at work is an urgent issue that requires proactive attention from business leaders. It is not just about fulfilling an ethical responsibility to employees but understanding that their wellbeing is fundamental to the company's sustainable success. Ignoring mental health leads to economic losses and a less productive work environment, while investing in it offers immeasurable benefits. 

During this World Mental Health Week, companies must commit to taking action. Creating healthier, more humane work environments, providing emotional support, and caring about mental wellbeing is not just an investment in people but also in profitability and the future of the organization. Only when employee health and wellbeing become a priority can a company achieve lasting and meaningful success. 

I invite leaders to reflect; workers are, above all, human beings, and their wellbeing is the heart and soul of the company. 

The information provided by ARIAS® is presented for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking advice from professional advisers.