October marks Mental Health Awareness Month in Estonia, and it’s an important time to reflect on the critical issue of mental well-being in our workplaces. Recent statistics reveal an alarming rise in work-related mental health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, over 12 million workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety. The Health Development Institute in Estonia reports that in Europe, the economic cost of mental health conditions reaches €240 billion per year, with more than half attributed to reduced productivity.

In Estonia, the 2023 Human Development Report highlighted similarly alarming trends: 28% of Estonian adults are at risk of depression, 20% are prone to anxiety disorders, and 43% show signs of mental exhaustion. These statistics underscore the risk factors of mental health in workplaces and the economy.

In this blog we would like to invite you to explore the causes of workplace stress and burnout and offer you practical solutions to support mental health in your organization, benefiting both employees and employers alike.

Causes of Stress and Burnout at Work

Workplace stress and burnout often arise from a combination of factors, with excessive workloads and constant time pressure being the most common. When employees have too many tasks and insufficient time to complete them, stress, anxiety, and eventually burnout can set in.

Unclear expectations and role conflicts further exacerbate the situation—when employees are unsure about what is expected of them, or when expectations constantly change, confusion and stress follow.

The absence of supportive leadership leaves employees feeling isolated, while a lack of autonomy leads to dissatisfaction and demotivation. This is not considered a healthy working environment and can quite fast lead to employees experiencing mental health challenges.

Furthermore, a poor work-life balance, the constant expectation of being available after hours, and a toxic workplace culture where employees feel undervalued and overworked contribute to burnout. Workplace bullying, job insecurity, and social isolation also add to the risk of work-related stress and anxiety.

How to Identify Mental Health Issues in the Workplace

It’s crucial for both managers and employees to recognize the signs of declining mental health. Symptoms may not always be obvious, but there are key indicators to look out for:

• Chronic fatigue: Constant exhaustion despite adequate sleep may signal deeper issues.
• Decreased concentration: Difficulty focusing or making decisions could point to mental overload.
• Mood swings: Irritability or sudden sadness might indicate depression or anxiety.
• Social withdrawal: Avoidance of conversations, meetings, or social gatherings could be a sign that an employee needs support.
• Job dissatisfaction: A lack of pride in one’s work or feeling undervalued can be a sign of deepening mental exhaustion.

5 Practical Steps to Reduce Anxiety in the Workplace

Recognition and Gratitude

 Expressing recognition and gratitude can increase motivation and reduce stress. Here are some tips for you on how to practically exercise recognition and have a truly positive impact on organizational culture and contribute to employee well-being.

Anxiety management

Although anxiety is to some extent a normal reaction of the body, excessive work anxiety can have a detrimental effect on both the employee’s health and work performance. Like normal anxiety, work anxiety can manifest itself in different ways. Emotional manifestations can be, for example, restlessness or irritability, physical signs are, for example, headaches, muscle tension, and palpitations. Here are 3 tips for reducing anxiety in the work environment

Team-building Activities 

Fun, simple activities like Peaasi.ee’s bingo game can bring teams together and take some load off the levels of stress the employees might carry on their shoulders. How about a competition to see who can praise the other person more? 🙂

Longer Breaks

At Smartful, one of the workplace policies is “Fridays off”. It´s not just a general benefit but a part of a bigger vision and a strategic approach to employee wellbeing – better rested colleagues have more time to take care of their mental wellbeing, physical health, spend time with their loved ones, etc, and this in return keeps them healthy, engaged and happy.  

Not all employers can offer a shortened workweek, but if feasible, experiment for example “meeting and email-free Fridays” to reduce anxiety and give employees more time to recharge. This would be a beloved mental health policy!

Mental Health Days – A Day for Kindness and Care

Numerous scientific studies suggest that spending time with loved ones (and animals!) is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety, tackle mental health struggles, and improve emotional health. Hugs can help calm heart palpitations, and acts of charity boost happiness hormones. During Mental Health Month, consider offering your employees a day off to give back—whether it’s walking dogs at a shelter, reading a book to a grandparent, or volunteering for a charity.

Supporting Mental Health: A Win for Both Employees and Employers

Research from Deloitte shows that for every dollar invested in mental health initiatives, organizations can expect a fourfold return in improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs. This highlights the importance of employers taking a strategic approach to supporting mental health, as the benefits are significant for both the company and its employees.

Recommendations for Estonian Employers

• If you feel like your team could benefit from Mental Health Training, please get in touch with Ly Kivikas, the mental health coach at Smartful. As a communication trainer, Ly firmly believes that possessing good communication skills is key for a happier and more successful life, fostering healthier relationships, and creating a positive internal climate within organizations. This, in turn, contributes to maintaining the mental health of employees and ensures enhanced overall performance.
• Workplaces should consider designating a trained mental health first-aider who can provide support to colleagues. From Peaasi.ee you can find the training calendar as well as more information about various mental health workshops.
• Employers can also ensure that mental health resources, such as informational brochures, are available in common areas like break rooms. By implementing these simple but impactful steps, companies can foster an environment where employees feel valued and supported. Find more information here: https://www.tervisekassa.ee/infomaterjalid
• Say “Thank you”, show empathy and have an open ear for a colleague who wants to share. Simple things that cost 0€ but have usually the greatest impact!