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Mental Health Issues Affect Workforces

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Mental health and substance abuse problems are often taboo topics in the workplace, but managers need to address these critical issues if they want to have a healthy, functional, productive workforce. According to recent studies, depressive disorders affect nearly 15 million people nationwide, and work itself may be playing a large role in the development of mental heath issues. Many Americans are working more hours without an increase in pay, and 83 percent report feeling an uncomfortable level of stress about their job. As a result, 10.4 million American workers used illegal drugs and 24 percent of the working population admits to drinking alcohol during the workday at least once in the past year. This puts managers in a difficult position: They must walk a fine line between achieving organizational goals and ensuring the well-being of team members. One of the best ways to do this is through awareness and prevention. Promoting mental health as part of overall corporate wellness campaigns can go a long way in normalizing mental health practices for employees. Work-life balance accommodations can also be made. Flexible hours, increased feedback, and motivational initiatives can help those who are struggling.

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