Work and employment

Thriving in the workplace: Nurturing mental health in employment

Mental health and work are inherently intertwined. As per the definition of the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, to realise their abilities, to learn well and work well, and to contribute to their communities.”

Our work environments significantly impact our mental well-being. This web page explores the vital relationship between work, employment, and mental health, highlighting the importance of fostering supportive workplaces that prioritise mental wellness.

Understanding work’s impact on mental health

Work is more than a job – it’s a significant part of our lives. Work should give us access to an income that allows us to live our lives with dignity. Work also influences our sense of purpose, self-worth, and overall mental well-being. Positive work experiences contribute to a sense of fulfilment, while negative work environments can lead to feelings of stress, burnout, and mental health challenges.

Creating supportive work environments

Supportive work environments are fundamental to mental wellness. Cultivating workplaces that prioritise open communication, psychological safety, work-life balance, and supportive leadership positively impacts employees’ mental health.

Addressing workplace stressors

Work-related stress, heavy workloads, job insecurity, and a lack of autonomy can contribute to mental health challenges. Identifying and addressing these stressors through supportive structures, policies and practices is essential in creating mentally healthy workplaces.

Promoting mental health at work

Promoting mental health in the workplace involves raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing resources for mental health support as well as tackling structure and culture. Initiatives like employee assistance programs, mental health training, and wellness initiatives contribute to a supportive work culture. However, these are not going to be effective unless the structural issues that make workplaces and employment mentally unhealthy are tackled.

Workplace culture and mental wellness

A positive workplace culture that encourages open dialogue about mental health, values diversity and inclusivity, and offers support without stigma, fosters an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and supported.

Advocating for mental health in employment

Advocacy for mental health in employment involves advocating for workplace and employment policies that prioritise mental wellness, providing adequate mental health resources, and fostering environments and structures that support employee well-being. It also means advocating for inclusion in the labour market of people with mental health problems and psychosocial disabilities.

Mental Health Europe’s training on mental health and wellbeing at work

Mental Health Europe is committed to promoting mental health in workplace settings. Through advocacy and practical support, we aim for an inclusive European labour market where mental well-being is prioritised, supporting those with mental health issues to reintegrate into the workforce.

Mental Health Europe provides online and face-to-face training on mental health and well-being at work. This training gives a general and introductory framework to understand what a mentally healthy workplace should look like.  The training provides tools and advice to promote well-being and addresses psychosocial risk factors at work.

Our training is developed to answer the following questions:

• What is mental health?
• What does mental health in the workplace entail?
• How to define and recognise work-related stress and psychosocial risks?
• What strategies and solution can be put in place to prevent mental health problems, promote and protect well-being and support workers?

Advocating for change: Economic and social benefits

Besides the known economic benefits, Mental Health Europe champions the social argument for mental wellness in the workplace. By advocating for inclusive policies and rights for those with psychosocial disabilities, we emphasise the broader benefits of a mentally healthy workforce.

Join us in exploring work and mental health

Our platform aims to bridge the gap between work and mental health. We invite you to join this exploration, share insights, and advocate for workplaces that prioritise mental wellness, empowering individuals to thrive both professionally and emotionally.

Join the conversation, explore our resources, and be part of the movement to create mentally supportive workplaces for all.