Kaya: The Origins of Workplace Mental Health

Mental health is an often overlooked but increasingly important topic in today’s workplace. From reduced productivity and increased stress to absenteeism and employee turnover, a lack of attention to mental health can have far-reaching consequences for both the individual and the organization. In this article, we explore why workplace mental health matters – and how we can prioritize it.

Introduction

Mental health has long been an important issue in the workplace, but it has only recently become a major focus for employers and employees alike. In the past, mental health was often seen as a personal issue that was not relevant to the workplace. However, with the rise of stress and anxiety in the modern workplace, mental health has become a crucial concern for both employers and employees.

Importance of Workplace Mental Health

The most recent data and surveys on mental health in the workplace paint a clear picture of the current state of affairs. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States suffers from a mental illness. This means that mental health is a significant issue in American workplaces. In addition, a recent survey by Mental Health America found that nearly 60% of employees say that their job is a significant source of stress in their life. 

These statistics make it clear that mental health is a significant problem in the workplace. However, there is still much work to be done in terms of addressing this issue. Employers and employees alike need to focus on improving mental health in the workplace. 

The Impact of Mental Health on the Workplace

When it comes to workplace productivity, mental health is often overlooked. However, mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, and its impact on the workplace is significant.

Mental health problems can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism (when employees are physically present but not productive), and increased risk of accidents and errors. In addition, mental health issues can contribute to turnover and lower morale among employees.

There are a number of ways to promote mental health in the workplace. Creating a supportive environment, providing resources and education on mental health topics, and encouraging employees to seek help when needed are all important steps. Leaders play a particularly important role in modeling healthy behaviors and setting the tone for how mental health is viewed within the organization.

By prioritizing mental health in the workplace, organizations can improve employee productivity, retention, and engagement while also reducing costs associated with absenteeism, turnover, and accidents.

What Are Some Signs of Unhealthy Workplace Mental Health

It can be difficult to tell when workplace mental health is becoming an issue. However, there are some signs that may indicate an unhealthy workplace environment for mental health: 

-A decline in job performance

-An increase in absenteeism or presenteeism

-A decrease in engagement or motivation

-A negative attitude toward work

-Withdrawal from social activities or interactions with colleagues

-Increased use of alcohol or drugs

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a colleague, it may be time to take action to improve workplace mental health. There are a number of ways to do this, including talking to a supervisor or HR representative, seeking professional help, and taking part in wellness programs.

Ways to Improve Mental Health in Workplace

There are many ways to do this, but some key focuses include promoting open communication about mental health, providing support and resources for employees struggling with mental health issues, and creating a culture of wellness within organizations. By taking these steps, we can start to create workplaces that are more supportive of employee well-being and better equipped to address mental health issues.

Traditional Employee Assistance Programs 

Organized work has been a part of human society for thousands of years. However, employee mental health was never considered a part of the equation until the 20th century. This all changed when the first Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) were created.

Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs, have long been recognized as a valuable resource for addressing workspace mental health. 

Today, EAPs offer a variety of work-life services, including

• substance abuse and addiction support; 
• preventative mental health screening; 
• workplace violence training; 
• crisis intervention for employees; 
• mental health counseling services; 
• fitness and nutrition programs; 
• assistance with life events (such as child care, finances, and college placement); 
• and help for organizations in managing their behavioral healthcare costs 

EAPs can also provide training for organization leaders on how to create supportive, healthy cultures.

EAPs are designed to help employees deal with personal and work-related problems that may impact their mental health. They provide confidential counseling, referral services, and educational resources to employees who need assistance.

Since its inception, EAPs have helped countless employees dealing with mental health issues. They have also been shown to improve workplace morale and productivity. In short, they are an invaluable resource for any organization that cares about its employees’ well-being.

What Traditional EAPs Aren’t Working

There are numerous reasons employees aren’t using their workplace employee assistance programs. And why these resources aren’t cutting it. 

Poor top-down communication about programs from HR departments to employees is one major reason. Workers are often unclear about what services they have access to, or what an EAP even is. Sometimes, organizational leaders aren’t even clear on what benefits are rolled into their EAPs. 

Mistrust over the confidentiality of private information is another key concern. Many employees are highly concerned that their private health information will be mishandled or revealed to their bosses, and negatively impact their job. 

Lastly, a lack of custom or comprehensive mental health services can also be a hindrance to employee utilization of EAPs. Some EAPs are not comprehensive or tailored enough to sustainably assist employees with their mental health needs.

That’s Where Kaya Comes In

Mental health is a global issue and one that is often overlooked in the workplace. But we’re changing that. Kaya is a mental health platform that connects people with shared experiences, making it more accessible, affordable, and inclusive.

Only a small percentage of employees are using their current workplace EAP. What’s more, the majority of EAPs only offer measly mental health services. 

These limited offerings fail to make a sustainable difference in employee well-being. Traditional EAPs are not only insufficient, but they present a huge cost to organizations when they’re not being tapped into. These packages often cost companies tens of thousands of dollars a year. If no one uses the benefits, it’s almost like flushing away company funds. 

Companies should consider supplementing the holes in their current EAP with a modern, affordable, and customized mental health service. Ones that offer easy-to-use virtual portals, ensure privacy and come at a fraction of the standard EAP cost. 

Kaya’s virtual mental health platform offering clinically-led groups is affordable, accessible, and inclusive for your entire company. 

Conclusion

Mental health in the workplace should not be taken lightly. This article has explored why it is important to prioritize mental health in the workspace, and how employers can do this effectively. By investing resources into developing a supportive work environment and fostering an open dialogue about mental well-being, we can ensure that employees are able to thrive both professionally and personally at their jobs. Mental health is essential for productivity as well as overall well-being – let’s make sure we take steps to prioritize it!