An emphasis on mental health and productivity in the workplace is a balance that can be hard to achieve. You may want to encourage employees to take time off because of the mental health benefits... but what about all the work that will go undone?

When you invest in mental health initiatives at work, you are investing in your people. And investing in your people leads to better morale, healthier mind, and increased results when employees are working.

Time spent supporting mental health is an investment. Employees can't pour from an empty cup.

The Link Between Mental Health and Productivity in the Workplace

There is a strong link between mental health and productivity. When employees are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress, it can negatively impact their work performance.

Research by the American Psychological Association found that employees with poor mental health are more likely to have lower job performance, lower productivity, and higher absenteeism compared to those with good mental health.

On the other hand, when employees are able to prioritize their mental health and take care of their wellbeing, it can lead to improved productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Employers can support employee mental health and productivity by offering resources such as an employee assistance program or access to mental health professionals, fostering a positive work environment, and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. It's important for employers to stay attuned to their employees' mental health and be willing to offer support and accommodations when needed.

Why Prioritizing Mental Health and Productivity at Work Can Coexist

Supporting mental health at work doesn't necessarily mean less productivity for a few reasons:

1. Addressing mental health issues can improve productivity

When employees are struggling with mental health problems, it can negatively impact their work performance. By addressing these issues and providing support, employers can help their workers get the treatment they need and improve their overall wellbeing and productivity.

And it works. About 86% of employees who received mental health support through their employer reported improved work performance, according to the APA.

2. Supporting mental health can foster a positive work environment

When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. This can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

3. A healthy work-life balance can improve productivity

Encouraging employees to take breaks and prioritize their wellbeing can help them avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can ultimately lead to better focus and productivity when they are on the job.

4. Supporting mental health can lead to lower absenteeism and turnover

A study by the World Health Organization found that mental disorders such as depression and anxiety can lead to decreased productivity and absenteeism, resulting in a loss of up to 3.7% of GDP in some countries.

When employees feel supported and are able to prioritize their mental health, they are more likely to be present and engaged at work. This can lead to lower absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover rates, which can ultimately improve productivity.

Overall, supporting mental health and productivity at work simultaneously is a part of healthy company culture.

Do Breaks Reduce Productivity in the Workplace?

Research has shown that taking breaks at work can actually improve productivity and overall work performance. Breaks give our brains a chance to rest and recharge, which can make us more focused and productive when we return to work. In fact, people who take regular breaks are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and have a higher level of wellbeing.

That being said, it's important to strike a balance between taking enough breaks to stay refreshed and focused, but not so many that it disrupts your workflow. The frequency and length of breaks that work best for you may vary depending on your job and personal preferences. Experiment to find what works best for you and your team.

At Nivati, we hold No Meeting Wednesdays, which allow at least one day a week for heads-down work only, plus a little more wiggle room for workday breaks so employees can be productive and recharge in the middle of the week.

What about high-functioners?

Have you ever found yourself staying at your desk for an extra hour, or scrolling through your work email even when you know it's time to rest?

For some, work is an escape from personal difficulties, including high-functioning depression and anxiety. In this case, overworking, and even increased productivity, is the result.

There are some signs of high functioning depression to look out for, like withdrawal and irritability. If you are noticing these signs show up for someone, make sure to check in and make sure they are taking care of themselves instead of burying themselves in work.

Some personalities are more likely to fall into this pattern. To better understand how to support each employee, it can help to have a personality test as a part of your company onboarding process so managers can refer to it when helping their direct reports.

It is important to catch this early. Otherwise, high-functioners are likely to experience workaholism and serious employee burnout.

Here are some related articles on mental health and productivity in the workplace to read next:

• Surprising Keys to Improving Employee Productivity
• How Employee Anxiety Affects Productivity (And How to Fix It)

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