A recent study has revealed that inadequate attention to mental health in the workplace can significantly increase the risk of depression among full-time employees, with the risk tripling in some cases. The study, led by researchers from the University of South Australia and the Psychosocial Safety Climate Observatory, was published in the British Medical Journal in June 2021.
The research, which involved 1,084 full-time workers from a variety of industries in Australia, found that long working hours and poorly managed workplace environments were key factors in exacerbating mental health issues. Participants, who were predominantly male with an average age of 47, showed a particularly high risk for depression. This risk was compounded by the fact that mental health concerns among men in the workplace are often overlooked.
In addition, a related study published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology highlighted that workplaces with low psychosocial safety climates are more likely to experience incidents of bullying and emotional exhaustion. Bullying behaviors such as verbal intimidation, teasing, and isolation were found to have detrimental effects not only on the victims but also on their colleagues who witnessed such actions.
Experts, including clinical psychologist Tsu Juia-hsin from Jianan Psychiatric Center, emphasized the need for employers to be more attentive to the mental health of male workers, who are often less likely to seek help. Tsu recommended that supervisors engage with employees respectfully and empathetically to foster a supportive environment. Yeh Ya-hsing, director of the Mental Health Center at the John Tung Foundation, pointed out that workplace bullying often stems from hierarchical structures and called for companies to prioritize the mental well-being of their staff.
These findings underscore the critical need for organizations to proactively address mental health concerns, creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace for all employees.
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