The mental health of employees is a core piece to a company’s sustainability. As such, it represents an important pillar in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because, as the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges, “there can be no health or sustainable development without mental health.” In fact, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 promotes good health & well-being at all ages.This means that any company that aims to be(come) sustainable needs to address this issue.
External stressors, such as the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have worsened the global mental health crisis. Additionally, individuals are more and more aware of global challenges like climate change, hunger, inequality, which can lead to increased anxiety and overall deteriorating mental health.
Employees with good mental health are more likely to stay at a company. 22% of staff leaving organisations cite mental health reasons for doing so, this rises to 77% for Gen Z employees (2019 Mental Health at Work Report). So for productivity and also retention it is vital that mental health is prioritised.
But what are some of the measures companies can take? For example, they can make sure to create a supportive culture that is free from stigma and encourages employees to seek help when needed. They can train supervisors who recognize the warning signs of workers that may be struggling with mental health and to direct them to the appropriate support systems. And there are many more steps companies can take.
