Mental Health at Work

As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial period for spotlighting mental health issues and combating associated stigmas, it is important to discuss how ergonomics affects employees’ mental health. Recognizing that mental health is as vital as physical well-being is important. Employees’ physical and mental health directly affects their productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. While corporate wellness programs often focus on physical health, one essential aspect that sometimes gets overlooked is ergonomics.

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting their thoughts, feelings, and actions. At work, risks to mental health, also called psychosocial risks, may be related to job content or work schedule, specific characteristics of the workplace, or opportunities for career development among other things ^[1]

Risks to mental health at work can include:

• under-use of skills or being under-skilled for work
• excessive workloads or work pace, understaffing
• long, unsocial or inflexible hours
• lack of control over job design or workload
• unsafe or poor physical working conditions
• an organizational culture that enables negative behaviors
• limited support from colleagues or authoritarian supervision
• violence, harassment, or bullying
• discrimination and exclusion

Workplace ergonomics, on the other hand, involves designing workspaces, tasks, and equipment to fit the capabilities and limitations of employees, aiming to optimize efficiency, comfort, and safety. Conversely, mental health challenges can affect productivity, engagement, and the ability to perform tasks effectively, thereby influencing ergonomic needs and preferences.

Strategies for Improving Mental Health with Ergonomics:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor working environments – including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control, and job insecurity – pose a risk to mental health^[2]. Here are some ways in which ergonomics can positively improve employee mental health and well-being:

Ergonomic Workstation Design:

• Incorporate adjustable desks and chairs to accommodate different body types and preferences, allowing employees to find comfortable positions that reduce physical strain and discomfort.
• Position computer monitors at eye level to promote proper posture and reduce neck and shoulder strain, contributing to a more relaxed and focused mindset.

Encouraging Movement and Breaks:

• Implement sit-stand desks or active seating options to encourage movement throughout the day, preventing prolonged periods of sitting which can contribute to feelings of lethargy and mental fatigue.
• Schedule regular breaks and designate areas for stretching or short walks to promote circulation and alleviate stress, helping employees recharge and maintain mental clarity. The Occupational health management system includes a Break app. Employees can monitor their posture; it also ensures adherence to routines by reminding workers of their schedules using pop-up notifications.

Optimizing Lighting and Environment:

• Ensure ample natural light in the workspace, as exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function ^[3].
• Control artificial lighting to reduce glare and eyestrain, creating a more comfortable and visually appealing environment that supports mental well-being.

Providing Ergonomic Accessories: Offer ergonomic accessories such as keyboard trays, footrests, and wrist support to help employees maintain neutral body positions and prevent repetitive strain injuries, fostering a sense of physical comfort and ease.

Promoting Stress Reduction Techniques:

• Introduce mindfulness or relaxation sessions during breaks, providing employees with tools to manage stress and promote mental clarity and resilience.
• Noise pollution can negatively impact mental health. Designate quiet areas or meditation rooms where employees can retreat for moments of solitude and reflection, fostering a sense of calm and balance amidst the demands of the workday ^[4].

Encouraging Open Communication:

• Create channels for employees to provide feedback on their workspace and ergonomic needs, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment in optimizing their environment for mental and physical health.
• Promote open dialogue about mental health in the workplace, destigmatizing discussions around stress, anxiety, and burnout, and encouraging employees to seek support when needed.

Training and Education:

• Offer workshops or training sessions on ergonomic best practices and stress management techniques, empowering employees to take proactive steps towards improving their physical and mental well-being.
• Educate managers and supervisors on the importance of supporting employee mental health and ergonomics, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and support within the organization. At OOHMS, we’ve created a course on mental health awareness in the workplace. This course explains mental health and its significance in the workplace. Highlighting steps companies can take to enhance the mental health of their workforce. OOHMS also has a variety of mental health-related courses that help to understand the essence of mental health awareness, how it affects work-life, and the ways to prevent mental health breakdown in the workplace. To see more of these courses visit https://oohms.duergoltd.com/courses-available/

Incorporating ergonomics into corporate wellness programs is essential for promoting employee mental health and well-being. By providing ergonomically designed workstations and equipment, organizations can create a comfortable and safe environment that promotes good posture, and healthy movement, and reduces the risk of physical injury.  Remember, when employees feel supported and cared for through the implementation of ergonomic measures, they are more likely to feel valued and motivated, contributing to a positive workplace environment.

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!