For many of us, going to work is a major part of our lives. This can be a career that you may love or hate; it may be in an office, retail, factory, or even at home. As part of the global workforce, we all work to make an income, make friends, advance our lives, and prepare for retirement. With so many things to do, your mental health can suffer.
How are you? Are you doing ok? What’s on your mind? What do you think is bothering you today?
These are questions that you want to ask as you do your job and earn a living. Everyone has their own challenges, but there are so many mental health challenges at work. Here’s what they are and what you can do to help resolve them.
Challenge 1: Increased Workloads
One of the biggest causes of mental illness at work is an increased workload in any job. As we try to do our best at work, many feel an obligation to finish as much as possible. If deadlines are a part of the job, it becomes even more daunting to complete your tasks to show your productivity.
A bigger workload can be problematic, as it can conflict with how productive you can be at the office. If you’re working from home, it can even be a bigger problem. In both scenarios, the additional workload will likely eat away at your me time and your family time. It can disrupt your daily process and cause more stress and anxiety.
When you have a big workload, you need to find ways to break it down into smaller tasks. In most work-from-home tips, the usual answer is to pick and choose which ones you should prioritize.
Go for the most urgent and important first, then move on to the important but not urgent tasks. Finish urgent but unimportant tasks next, and the least important, least urgent ones last.
Challenge 2: Poor Communication and Managerial Practices
Another common mental health challenge at work is poor communication and management practices at work. In some situations, you will not always find a manager that cares about you as a person. In some environments, managers care more for their team’s performance than the humans doing it.
If you are an employee experiencing this issue, feel free to discuss this with your manager. If your manager is not receptive, you can then consider presenting your cause to higher-ups. Try meditation to clear up your mind of anxieties, especially if you’re at home. Ask yourself if the job is worth it and if there’s a way for you to find better opportunities.
For managers, listen to what your people have to say. If it’s productivity you’re looking for, your subordinates will be more than happy to do their jobs better in a more supportive environment.
Challenge 3: Financial Considerations
In any work environment, finances will never stop being a consideration. The biggest reason why you work is you want to be compensated for the skills you bring to the table. There are bills to be paid and food that you need to put on the table, so worrying about finances is normal.
Jobs that underpay their employees tend to be more stressful than others. Low-paying skilled labor like restaurant work, factory work, and retail also have their own challenges, with the low-pay, high-stress environment being a big problem.
A good part of any mental health journey is to know when to let go. Leaving a low-paying job is a good way to get a good grip on your mental health. In the post-pandemic landscape, more companies are willing to pay higher wages due to the paradigm shift in skilled labor. As you leave, consider other careers that will make the most out of your skills.
Go to career centers. Look for transferable skills and do a self-assessment to see what skills you have that you can bring to a new opportunity. Some people believe there are no other opportunities for them but that’s not true. You have a skill that you can use for a better-paying job; you just need to see it and get out of your comfort zone.
Challenge 4: Performance Pressure
Much like increased workload, performance pressure at work is a common issue that can affect the mental health of its workers. When employees feel an urgency to perform at a higher level, this can be a type of double-edged blade for the business.
While pressure can help keep employees on their toes, it can also take a toll on the mental health of your workers. The constant pressure can be experienced as a threat to some, which lowers employees’ ability to self-regulate. Lower self-regulation can cause higher levels of anxiety, PTSD, and even psychogenic fever.
When you start to experience performance pressure, it’s important to find ways to cope with it. Track your stressors and do your best to develop healthy responses to these stressors. Find ways to relax and build yourself a support network – whether it’s with your workmates or your friends and family.
Establish boundaries for your work. Never bring your work to your home to keep the right boundaries between your home life and your work life. Take time to recharge and center yourself. Mindfulness is an important way to prevent yourself from feeling bleak.
Caring For Your Mental Health at Work
Almost every type of work has its many mental health challenges. While there’s no way to evade these challenges, there are many ways to cope with their effects and protect yourself from their deleterious effects.
From an employer standpoint, creating a healthier workplace can be a matter of building a kind working relationship with your employees. For workers, it’s crucial not only to know their worth but find ways to relax and center themselves.
Are you experiencing any of these challenges at work? There are things you can do to make life a little bit easier. You need to remember that you matter and you owe it to yourself to care for your mental health.
About the Author: “Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words.”
