4 Psychological Health Factors in the Workplace and Their Importance to Employers

Most people spend most of their time at work, no wonder why work environment plays a key role with respect to psychological health and economic well-being of the company.

A 2016 Job Happiness Index survey by JobStreet.com.Sg reported that as far as job happiness is concerned, Singapore ranks at the last spot compared to its neighboring countries. Participants were mixed groups coming from fresh graduates to supervisorial positions as well as from the top management. Aside from the ratings, the survey also provided clues to companies on the factors that employees find worth staying or leaving in an organization and the programs they can focus on to establish a better work place.

On the other hand, a Western organization called American Psychological Association (APA) conducts annual recognition to companies across the country for their dedication to psychological ell-being of employees and commitment to a positive working environment. Basis on the awards come from policies and programs that significantly create a positive outcome in the psychological wellness of its workforce.

According to experts, there are four (4) factors that companies who aspire to cultivate a more positive and healthier working environment should focus on:

1. Employee Recognition
Psychiatrist Gail Saltz points how given that our identities are connected to our professions, recognition and appreciation at work gives us an overall feeling of being valued and improved self-esteem, protecting us from feelings of anxiety and depression. It should come as no surprise that human nature dictates when a person is appreciated, all that he would want in return is to do more—even more than what is expected of him. Another successful way to put it is for employers to place their people in a position that would enable them to work at their best and sharpen their strengths.

2. Work and Life Balance
This might sound quite of a cliché but never runs out of points of discussion as far as employee satisfaction is concerned. A survey from Prudential Life Company indicated 89% of employee population felt that the organization gave importance to work-life balance. Some practices may include paid leave for health-related activities, flexible work schedule or sponsored fitness-related buys. For many employees, these opportunities make them feel important because they are also physically taken-cared of. As a result, much stress is lifted off in the workplace which generates a positive and relaxed office atmosphere.

3. Overall Healthy Lifestyle
Programs should not only be limited to physical well-being but also extend to psychological and financial health. A successful program needs to address issues that employees and their families can benefit to such as financial education/savings, debt management, and personal stress. These types of program help employees reduce stress and depression in the long run.

4. Health Assistance
Companies that are far more open about employees’ struggle for costly medicines and unavailable treatments not only help their people but also eliminate productivity issues in the workplace. Needless to say, workers who have developed psychological issues (anxiety, depression etc.), will most likely have higher chances of getting other medical problems, such as hypertension, cardiac etc. and this can greatly affect monetary and productivity matters.