As we enter 2023, mental health in the workplace continues to be a major focus. Over the past few years, more employers have recognized they need to protect employees’ mental health and well-being and are making these efforts part of their company’s attraction and retention programs.
I met a registered psychologist Dr. Daniel SellingCEO of Williamsburg Therapy GroupAbout the mental health trends that will affect the workplace in 2023. Here are three trends to watch:
Mental health will be front and center.
Burnout, anxiety and depression rates are at record levels. In addition to pushing employers to offer employees generous benefits packages, companies will also be forced to rethink how they create a supportive work environment.
“Employees want to work somewhere that cares about their productivity and emotional well-being,” said Dr. Selling. “Although insurance companies offer options for mental health care, it can be difficult and frustrating to find high-quality care that is covered by your plan. It is not uncommon to struggle to find a quality physician with immediate openings.” This often leads employees to seek mental health care independent of their company’s insurance offerings. “Providing mental health services to employees who cannot access them or results in a poor user experience is counterproductive.”
He explained that mental health companies such as WTG will help make it easier for employers to provide quality mental health care to their employees by providing guaranteed appointments and access to doctoral-level psychologists. This also benefits companies. “A happier, less stressed, and less anxious workforce is a more productive workforce—employee retention and satisfaction increase dramatically.”
With many employees still working from home, employers will need to provide systems and … [+]
Hybrid work isn’t going anywhere.
In a tight job market where they want to attract and retain talent, employers are expected to respond to employee demands for flexibility in their work schedule, including the ability to work from home. When asked about the benefits of hybrid work. d said. Selling: “Hybrid creates flexibility in our lives and the workplace, which contributes to employee satisfaction and productivity. Facilitating balancing their work and personal lives can reduce stress and burnout. Hybrid working allows people to work in a relaxed and familiar environment, which can promote a sense of security and well-being.” . It also reduces potentially stressful commutes.
However, the downsides to working from home are that employees “may feel more alone and disconnected from their co-workers and like they have no support.” Furthermore, some people may struggle to draw clear lines between work and home life, which can lead to burnout and insecurity. Work-life balance: Another unique issue is that they may feel more guilt or pressure to be available all the time because they may think they have to help co-workers and clients during and after normal work hours.”
Hybrid work may also affect men and women differently. Dr. Sale explained, “Research suggests that women may experience more problems in a hybrid work environment. Women may, for example, take on a disproportionate amount of domestic and caregiving responsibilities, making full participation in hybrid work arrangements more difficult. Also Women may be more vulnerable to discrimination and prejudice in a hybrid work environment, which can be detrimental to their mental health.”
Recognizing the benefits and challenges of hybrid work, he recommends that employers encourage regular communication and communication with supervisors and co-workers, establish clear boundaries between work and personal time, and provide employees with adequate support and resources to meet the challenges that arise. “Set up a way to track your employees’ engagement, productivity, and health, and help them when they need it.”
Another expected trend: Employees will continue to push for flexibility in where and when they are … [+]
More companies will embrace a four-day work week.
It is expected that in 2023, employees will also demand more control over their working time. This may prompt more companies to introduce a four-day workweek in order to stay competitive.
Dr. Seling explains that a four-day workweek can be beneficial to your mental health in several ways:
- Increase work-life balance
- less pressure
- Improve focus and productivity
- Increase job satisfaction
- Better physical health
He adds, “It is important to remember that these benefits are not guaranteed and depend on the person’s employment and personal and family situation. Also, some employees may find that a shorter work week increases their stress and harms their mental health.”