Mental health issues have a significant impact not only on people's lives but also on the economies of individual countries. Mental health issues cost the EU economy approximately €170 billion annually. A key factor is workplace stress, which contributes to about half of all work-related absences. Research shows that companies are not adequately addressing mental health, making it crucial to focus on prevention and support. Mental health in the workplace is the theme of this year's World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10th.

"According to data from relevant European institutions, 60% of the world's population is employed, and up to 15% of working-age adults have a mental health condition. Workplace stress is a key risk factor for mental health. In 2022, 27% of workers in the European Union experienced stress, depression, and anxiety. This also has an impact on the economy – anxiety disorders and depression alone cost the EU economy approximately €170 billion annually," explains Tomáš Jelínek, a clinical psychologist and methodologist at the National Institute for Mental Health (NUDZ). Poor mental health leads to lower productivity and absenteeism.

A certain level of stress at work is unavoidable, but it is important to have the skills to manage it. Employer support is crucial in this regard. If the level of stress is consistently too high and the ability to manage it is insufficient, it can lead to decreased job satisfaction, conflicts, burnout, absenteeism, and employee turnover. In addition, stress contributes to about half of all work-related absences.

Systematic solutions are often lacking.

"There are examples of good practices and policies in this area, as well as relatively reliable evidence of the effectiveness and economic benefits of programs to support mental health in the workplace. However, employers in the Czech Republic and Europe generally do not have such programs. And even when they become aware of the problems, for example, due to suicides in the workplace, low productivity, or high levels of burnout among top management, they often resort to short-term solutions that are ineffective. This often happens under the influence of the 'well-being industry,' which offers, or even pushes, simple, but expensive and ineffective solutions. A national or international certification for employers who support mental health would help to clearly distinguish high-quality programs," says Petr Winkler, director of the National Institute for Mental Health.

The National Institute for Mental Health, for example, provides information on mental health through the website opatruj.se. Visitors to this website can take several screening tests if they suspect they have mental health issues. They can also find a number of useful tips on how to eliminate workplace stress. Some large employers in the Czech Republic are already recommending and using these tools. "It is important to do work that is meaningful and fulfilling for a person. Such work is more enjoyable and motivates people to achieve better results. The work environment is also crucial: colleagues with whom you feel you fit in, inspiring leadership, and a alignment of your values with those promoted by the company you work for," describes Dr. Jelínek.

NUDZ Klecany PHOTO - Facebook

Education and the use of AI.

The National Institute for Mental Health is also conducting several research projects in this area. "This year, the HARMONY project (Healthy And Resilient Mindset with Organized, Nurturing digital tools for Your mental health) will be launched, involving a consortium of institutions from eight European countries. The project aims to improve knowledge and skills in the field of mental health prevention and support in the workplace. This will be achieved through collaboration between universities, providers of professional education and training, research institutions, experts in occupational safety and health, service providers, and other stakeholders in the labor market," explains Dr. Jelínek. The project focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and it will also create a tool using artificial intelligence to help prevent or mitigate mental health problems. Since last year, the National Institute for Mental Health has also been running the "Prevention and Support of Mental Health for the Adult Population in the Czech Republic" project. "The aim of the project is to provide organizations with guidance on how to assess the situation regarding the mental health, well-being, and job satisfaction of their employees, and to offer them possible solutions for preventing stress, burnout, and providing first aid for common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. An integral part of such programs is the training of managers to improve their attitudes towards open communication and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health in the workplace," concludes Slavomíra Pukanová, coordinator of professional activities at the National Institute for Mental Health. NUDZ / gnews - RoZ [Illustration: pixabay]