The modern working world presents us with ever new challenges, particularly when it comes to the mental health of employees. In recent years, the discussion about psychological stress in the workplace has intensified. Why is that so? Well, the days when we strictly separated work and private life are a thing of the past. Thanks to technologies such as smartphones, we are always available, even outside normal office hours. But how does this changing dynamic affect mental health?
The figures speak for themselves: According to DAK's psycho report Sick leaves due to mental illness have risen by an impressive 208% since 1997. That is more than six times that of other diseases. However, this increase is being reinforced by recent developments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. But although mental health is becoming increasingly important, it remains an underrated issue in many companies.
Psychological stress in the workplace is difficult to identify and can have a variety of negative effects, both for those affected and for the company. It is important to stress that not all psychological stress necessarily leads to illnesses. Depending on the type of load and the person's available resources and coping strategies, the effects may be short-term or long-term. Companies can help prevent permanent burdens by providing compensatory measures. In some industries, however, certain burdens are unavoidable, such as shift work in nursing professions.
This question can be answered in a variety of ways, ranging from legal requirements to operational efficiency and employee retention. But when we focus on employee health, it quickly becomes clear that there is a need for action here. Psychological stress that is ignored over a long period of time can lead to serious health problems. From psychosomatic disorders to serious illnesses such as burnout or depression, the effects are manifold.
A risk assessment of psychological stress can be a decisive tool here. By identifying the stress factors affecting their employees and taking appropriate measures, companies can not only ensure the health, motivation and retention of employees, but also prevent long-term financial losses. The mental health of employees is therefore an important economic asset that must be carefully maintained.
If you ignore the psychological overload of employees on a permanent basis, psychosomatic disorders and illnesses can be the result. These include digestive and heart problems, musculoskeletal disorders, increased nicotine, alcohol and medication consumption, as well as reduced performance, dissatisfaction, disappointment, depression and burnout. This results in costs. On average, mental illness results in 35.5 days of incapacity for work, compared to 6.5 days for respiratory illnesses. The financial losses for companies due to loss of employees are considerable.
In this context, an innovative solution such as mentalport comes into play. This platform not only enables companies to carry out risk assessments efficiently, but also to actively contribute to the mental health of their teams. Through anonymous feedback and targeted measures, potential burdens can be identified and addressed at an early stage. Mentalport not only helps to meet legal requirements, but also promotes the well-being and performance of employees in the long term. Use this innovative platform to strengthen mental health in your organization and create a healthy, successful workplace.
A risk assessment of psychological stress and the resulting needs-based occupational safety measures can reduce negative consequences of psychological stress. This ensures the health, motivation and retention of employees and keeps the company's financial losses due to illness as low as possible.
If you want to learn now how the psychological risk assessment can be implemented with mentalport, then book yourself a short and free demo!
Photo by Johnson Wang upon Unsplash
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Tim Kleber is CEO and co-founder of mentalport. As a mechanical engineer, business psychologist and data scientist, he combines technical precision with psychological expertise. His specialization: psychological risk assessment (GBU Psyche) in accordance with §5 ArbSchG and ISO 45003-compliant implementation in companies. After his own auditor experience in occupational safety, he and the mentalports team developed anonymous infrastructure for mental wellbeing management - today used by over 50 companies to reduce psychologically related downtime and active wellbeing management.
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