WX trends: Your mental health at work
Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.
In this WX trends, it’s all about employees and their mental health at work. First we’re learning about how artificial intelligence (AI) can impact our mental health . Next, we’ll explore why Generation Z is raising their collective hand about mental health in the workplace. Finally, tips on how to combat feelings of burnout, even if you work remotely or in a hybrid setting.
AI and its impact on our mental health
Does the widespread adoption of AI have you watching your back at work? Are you worried that the ever-expanding technology will replace you?
With the World Economic Forum estimating that AI will replace 85 million jobs by 2025, the technology is impacting the mental health of some workers, according to an article in Psychology Today.
Employees worrying about job security and the need to continuously upskill can lead to feelings of frustration, burnout, and even physical symptoms like headaches and sleep problems. The pressure to adapt quickly adds to the mental strain, with severe cases potentially leading to depression.
Employers can play a crucial role in mitigating these issues, the article states. They should acknowledge the limits of their control over technological changes and focus on empowering employees. Encouraging practices like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help staff manage stress. Building emotional intelligence, maintaining clear and transparent communication, and implementing AI changes in manageable stages can also ease the transition.
Promoting work-life balance and a collaborative, inclusive culture will further support employees as businesses navigate AI, says Lauren Patton, head of internal communications at Appspace. “Organizations can help their workforce embrace and thrive amidst the ongoing AI revolution by prioritizing mental health and providing the necessary support, resources, and communication to help them understand how AI can enhance or refocus their work.”
The generation that’s speaking up
Research by Gallup estimates that poor mental health costs the U.S. economy $47 billion per year in lost productivity. It’s a serious issue. And there’s at least one generation that’s speaking up — Gen Z.
The group, born between 1997 through 2012, are more open to discussing mental health issues and seeking meaningful support. Awareness around mental health has grown, and companies need to adapt by creating stigma-free cultures and integrating mental health into their policies, according to a Forbes article.
The article explains that companies should promote mental health awareness and support, which includes offering access to therapists, mental health tools, and judgement-free mental health days.
Companies should survey employees to understand their mental health needs and ensure they feel comfortable using available resources, writes the article’s author, Tim Barker, CEO of Kooth Digital Health.
“The emphasis on mental health is shaping the future of work, urging companies to enhance awareness and access to mental health resources,” says Patton. “This shift promises a healthier and happier workplace for all.”
Burnout can happen no matter where you work
The lines between work and home life became blurred for many workers during the pandemic. And according to an article in the Washington Post, many people are still grappling with some of those habits.
The result can be feelings of burnout and it can impact you whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or somewhere in between.
A survey from the Pew Research Center found that 29% of workers claim their job is stressful and 19% say it’s overwhelming all or most of the time.
Dan Pelton, a clinical psychologist who works in management consulting sums it up succinctly. “What’s happening is there’s insurmountable workload and disconnection. It’s creating a new sense of burnout.”
So how can you help yourself from feeling burnt out? The article suggests the following: Make a list of things you love and hate to make sure you’re prioritizing the right things depending on your values.
Along with that: get some exercise, narrow your focus to meaningful work tasks, take breaks, set boundaries, turn to your colleagues for support, take your vacation time, and try not to be too hard on yourself.
