A brief overview: What is mental health?

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as our ability to manage stress, perform productively, and relate to others. A healthy mental state is crucial for coping successfully with both professional and personal challenges. When mental health is compromised, changes in a person’s behavior are often the first signs—sometimes even accompanied by physical symptoms.

Mental health in the workplace: important for everyone

Mental health plays a key role in the workplace. After all, the working environment, as well as the volume and nature of tasks and expectations, significantly influence employee wellbeing and motivation. A positive company culture, where managers and employees communicate openly and respectfully, helps minimize mental strain. In contrast, bullying, a toxic work atmosphere, excessive workloads, or a lack of appreciation can trigger mental health issues such as burnout or depression. The consequences of psychological stress are also clearly felt by organizations. Burnout or depression resulting from chronic stress and overwork can lead to long-term absences and declining work quality.

How to recognize signs of mental strain

To identify mental health issues at an early stage and take appropriate action, HR professionals and managers should watch out for signs that may indicate elevated psychological stress, including:

• Noticeable changes in behavior or performance
• Withdrawal from social interaction or team activities
• Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
• Mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
• Frequent sick days or absences

Vorwarnungen wie diese sollten nicht ignoriert werden. Ein offenes Gespräch mit der betroffenen Person kann frühzeitig Klarheit schaffen und ihr die Möglichkeit geben, über ihre psychische Belastung zu sprechen. 

How to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace

To create a healthy and productive working environment, companies should take preventative measures. Some of the most effective strategies for supporting employee mental health include:

1. Create a healthy work environment: A positive work environment is key to supporting mental wellbeing. This includes clear structures, realistic expectations, and a culture of open communication. Managers play a vital role by establishing a transparent and appreciative leadership style.
2. Promote work-life balance: Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential for long-term mental health. Employers can support this by offering flexible work schedules, remote work options, or job-sharing models. Employee benefits also contribute to improved mental wellbeing. Encouraging regular breaks throughout the day helps reduce stress and maintain productivity.
3. Preventative health programs: Wellness programs can help employees relieve stress and strengthen their mental health. Options like yoga sessions, mindfulness training, or psychological counseling services are valuable tools for stress management and relaxation. These programs should be easily accessible—whether online or in-person.
4. Train your leadership team: Managers should be able to identify early signs of stress and burnout within their teams. Training in mental health awareness and communication can empower them to take the right steps in challenging situations and respond appropriately to employees' needs—including when key talent is at risk of leaving. 
5. Open communication and destigmatization:  Mental health must not be a taboo subject in the workplace. It’s essential to foster a culture where psychological challenges can be openly discussed. Employees should know who they can turn to when feeling overwhelmed—and that support is available. This not only helps those affected, but also increases employee loyalty and satisfaction overall.

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HR work is about more than reviewing applications and conducting interviews. That’s why it's crucial to free up time for tasks that really matter. Refline’s e-recruiting software automates up to 70% of administrative workload—giving you the capacity to focus on important initiatives, such as promoting mental health and preventing psychological stress in the workplace. 

Try our live demo today or get in touch for more information – we’d love to hear from you!