Every year, 12 billion work days are lost
In recent days, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) announced that outpatient mental health consultations for stress increased by 15%, from 88,000 in 2022 to 102,000 last year.
Although work is not the only reason that generates stress, Melissa Concepción , CEO of SOS Trabajo , warns of the need to properly manage work-related work loads and problems.
The specialist also mentions the impact on health and the productive sector, since depression and anxiety, which are also associated with poorly managed stress, result in $1 billion a year in lost productivity.
What is the impact of stress and other mental health conditions on productivity?
Each year, 12 billion workdays are lost due to depression and anxiety, at a cost of $1 trillion per year in lost productivity, according to the World Health Organization.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, workers assumed roles working from home, and now companies want to return to office work.
This change has destabilized many workers, as they have to make arrangements for childcare, parenting, and even see the increased costs of getting to work.
This increase in cases of work-related stress could be related to all the changes experienced since the pandemic until today.
Could it be that people are more willing to talk openly about their mental health issues, and that it’s not necessarily a growth?
The media has definitely made an effort worldwide to educate the public about mental health problems and their causes.
This has led more people to approach their doctors and express their experiences so they can be resolved and treated. Talking about mental health is no longer as taboo as it once was.
Everything has evolved for the well-being, not only of the workers, but also of the families involved.
What advice can be given to companies to address stress?
When talking with employees about how to manage stress in the workplace, it’s important to keep in mind that we must structure the different work areas to ensure the company’s overall well-being, from the work environment to ensuring facilities comply with all necessary regulations.
This is because the focus at all times must be on maintaining a productive workforce focused on the functions they perform, not on any shortcomings the company may have that are causing them problems.
Some tips for companies to have a good work environment are:
- Present your employees with realistic goals.
- Foster positive professional relationships and promote an environment of trust.
- Incorporate healthy habits in the workplace
- Promote order and structure in the workplace.
- Carry out recreational activities from time to time to integrate your work team.
Can we say that work is one of the elements that worries people the most and also causes stress?
Work is part of our daily lives; without it, we wouldn’t be able to meet our basic needs or achieve some of our goals. To say it’s one of the elements that most concerns people would be unfair, because human beings are integral and are complemented by many areas beyond work itself.
As an integral part of our lives, work gives us a sense of confidence, purpose, and the opportunity to achieve multiple goals. Not having a job is the reason why people lack a structure in their lives and, in many cases, leads to chaos in all areas of their lives.
What would be the warning signs?
When working, both supervisors and HR departments should be aware of the various signs employees give us when they are experiencing a situation that requires the attention of a mental health professional. Some of the signs include excessive fatigue, poor or no concentration, fluctuating energy levels, poor mood, low productivity, inability to deal with stressful issues, among many others.