In today’s working world, employee mental health is monumental to overall business success and a crucial determinant of workers’ overall health—from hypertension to cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, poor mental health can result in employee burnout, subsequently affecting workers’ abilities to create meaningful value in both their professional and personal lives.
On a global scale, there are multiple indicators that mental health hurdles lead to employees negating their work. For example, in the Netherlands, mental health implications account for 58% of work-related disabilities, and in the UK, 30–40% of absences are attributed to mental illness. According to Pebetse Matabane-Monoma, a clinical psychologist at Mediclinic Legae’s mental health services unit, cognitive functions, like concentration and motivation, are adversely affected by being in a negative state of mind. This directly impacts the productivity of work environments, and, in turn, business success.
The Shift in Mental Health Approaches
1. Traditional Therapy Models
Traditionally, these concerns would be addressed through traditional therapy models with a trained mental health professional, coupled with the expectation to discuss challenging experiences, emotions, and behaviors that negatively impact life. While this may be difficult upon starting these sessions, the outcomes of unraveling these knots in your mind greatly outweigh the initially uncomfortable process.
For workers looking for a short-term strategy for treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is helpful in addressing problematic thought patterns with an action-oriented approach. As it’s generally believed distress and discomfort often derive from certain personal feelings and beliefs, CBT strives to help workers identify the patterns that plunge them deeper into their mental sinkholes. Through the guidance of a therapist, employees can explore avenues that replace negative thought patterns with ones that are more positive and productive. Instead of focusing on past experiences, CBT focuses on the existing symptoms—and the direct changes that can be made to alleviate them.
A major aspect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is acceptance. In cases of people opting for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as part of CBT, the focus is pulled toward acknowledgment and emotional regulation. The premise is that both these treatments enable workers to develop the skills to cope with distressing situations as they arise through mindfulness—as opposed to simply replacing irrational emotions with more positive ones.
2. Unconventional Practices
However, as the modern business world evolves technologically and operationally, so too do the needs of their workers. Unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental health difficulties hinders progress toward a more open future. By proactively focusing on mental wellness, more doors can be opened for opportunities to grow holistically. But, therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution to mental difficulties—which is why companies are embracing more progressive approaches
The Grass Is Greener on the Other Side
Since the 19th century, the National Health Society of London has been advocating for the preservation and creation of open park spaces to serve as “lungs” for urban spaces. The idea behind this strategy was for companies to create more positive and productive work environments that seamlessly integrate nature into daily working lives. From reduced stress levels to alleviated anxiety, nature therapy serves as a serene and calming approach to mental health treatments.
The benefits of spending time in the great outdoors—listening to the soothing sounds of chirping birds and the gentle rustling of leaves—trigger tranquility in the mind by lowering cortisol levels. As this is the hormone responsible for stress, immersing workers in more natural settings empowers them to propel productivity and performance. In fact, simply visiting outdoor green spaces for 30 minutes or more during the work week can result in a 7% drop in the prevalence of depression.
By turning this notion on its head to simultaneously promote sustainability, Deloitte challenges traditional green building practices to create workspaces that benefit both their people and the planet. The establishment of a 14-story, multi-use office development that considers the conditions supporting mental well-being—such as natural light, air quality, and connection to nature—enables this company to increase employee satisfaction and reduce operational costs. Moreover, they are able to blend mental well-being and environmental sustainability within their workplaces by installing over 6000 plants in 700 displays, 140m2 of green walls, as well as incorporating wood and stone throughout.
Ping-Pong Tables Are out, Pet Therapy Is in
The objective of these treatments is to facilitate mental healing—making it essential to de-escalate stress levels, even in the workplace. So, how can companies create a sense of comfort in times of tension?
The answer is with animals. Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, allows employees to interact with trained service animals to momentarily distract themselves from the pressures of the office. By spending just 15 minutes playing with a puppy, kitten, or even a horse, most people’s brains trigger a happy hormonal response that boosts serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. In turn, this lowers feelings of anxiety and depression—further supporting good mental health.
According to a Virginia Commonwealth University study, employees who bring their dogs to work experience an 11% decrease in stress levels, while those who do not suffer a 70% increase. Additionally, pet therapy can empower employees to feel more accomplished when facing stressful circumstances, as lower cortisol levels result in decreased blood pressure and fewer heart implications. In turn, these healthier workers have fewer absences, a reduced health insurance premium, and contribute more to cover the needs of peers who suffer chronic health issues.
Concluding Thoughts
Mental clarity has a direct impact on business success. As companies increasingly embrace more modern therapeutic approaches that mirror their employees’ evolving needs, innovation ripples through every aspect of operations.
By adopting nature therapy practices, enterprises can simultaneously reduce employee stress levels while empowering sustainability across the board. Similarly, pet therapy supports immediate emotional relief and promotes a work atmosphere that provides mental comfort.
Businesses that integrate these progressive therapies into their approach to mental well-being in the workplace are better positioned to propel a productive and engaged workforce. It’s time to pave the way for a more resilient work environment through a commitment to holistic mental healthcare.
