Occupational and mental health: the importance of slowing down

Recently, several personalities have suspended their work due to mental health care, a topic that should be mandatory for everyone, including companies and especially among companies.

A high-performing artist or athlete doesn’t need to struggle with mental health issues and realize it’s time to slow down.

According to The School of Life, mental health calls for acceptance that it can manifest itself even when workers enjoy fulfilling and meaningful lives and enjoy what they do;

Therefore, no one should hesitate to ask for help. This position requires being proactive as people do when they feel chest or knee pain. Most importantly, they should not be considered less deserving of sympathy.

In the corporate world, it is essential to understand this scenario and know when it is time to slow down.

It’s time to take a step back

According to consultancy Robert Half, in a recent survey, 49% of recruits believe professionals are prone to burnout.

According to recruiters, the top five reasons why they make this statement are heavy workload (58%), lack of work-life balance (58%), more pressure to get results (55%), and higher demand for work concentrated in teams. small. (51%).

The chances of someone developing depression at work are high. It could be a co-worker, your boss, or even you. According to research conducted by the University of São Paulo in eleven countries, Brazil has topped the list of depression and anxiety cases during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Check out tips on how to take care of your mental health:

Know the signs

Also according to Robert Half, if a worker recognizes some of these scenarios, it may be time to seek treatment:

If an employee is tired all the time and can hardly cooperate with his colleagues. If it is difficult to focus or take a positive attitude – the incentive is to do nothing. Besides morale, your productivity is dwindling.

“Some people end up spending a lot of time on work activities, burying themselves in tasks to avoid feelings,” the recruitment and consulting firm explains.

Find a doctor

If an employee has bad flu or signs of diabetes, he will seek appropriate treatment, and therefore should be with mental illness.

Depression is no different from any other chronic condition. Experts warn that it is possible to obtain and maintain an independent and productive life. But it is important to identify the disease, get medication – if possible – and properly comply with the doctor’s orders.

Decide when and if to talk to your boss

The type of company you work for and the relationship with your supervisors interferes with how open an employee is about their depression. Consider these factors — and the type of treatment you need — to decide what information you feel comfortable sharing.

Take care of body and mind

Looking at your physical health will help you sleep better and eat properly (even when it’s hard to put food in your mouth). One idea is to go for a walk or even try a jog, even if it’s just a little – that kicks in endorphins and can relieve some of the symptoms of depression.

If you can be outdoors and close to a park or nature, that’s a lot better. Meditation also helps some people with depression or stress. No method required: deep, slow breathing feeds us with oxygen and makes us feel better.

Ask for help from your colleagues and family

Conditions like depression make people more withdrawn, but co-workers can be a great source of help. Consider opening up to your closest friends and family. They will certainly be willing to help.

Anyone who lives with someone who is depressed, at work or at home, and realizes that something is wrong, can help, too. However, respecting boundaries is crucial.

Companies monitor employee mental health

Research by Robert Half shows that 80% of companies recognize and seek to change this scenario, by adopting measures to achieve a better work-life balance.

The top five actions companies have taken are: allow greater flexibility in working hours (55%), maintain regular communication (51%), improve access to health and wellness benefits (35%), improve employee recognition programs (27%) and give back. More support for working parents (20%).

What can companies and their leaders do?

• Facing the issue as a priority and recognizing that addressing the issue is key;
• Be open to dialogue to understand what the team is feeling;
• brainstorming to reduce stress and fatigue;
• Empathy practices: How does your team feel and deal with elements of stress?
• Make regular one-on-one calls with team members;
• Rely on professionals on projects to mitigate high work demands;
• Encourage rest periods (holidays, day off).

“For professionals, the message remains to understand your moment, and to realize that something is not right. For organizations, here’s the advice: Within the company, people — including all levels of the organizational hierarchy — are the most valuable, but most complex and least understood assets,” the company explains. .

Therefore, it is always necessary to look for ways to take good care of the employees before they find appreciation and acceptance in the competing organisation.

With information from Robert Half