Join us as we delve into a thought-provoking Q&A session with Dr. Ellie Smith, where we explore the pressing concerns surrounding psychological wellbeing in the workplace. Psychological wellbeing holds the key to unlocking individual and organisational success. When work negatively impacts employees' psychological health, it affects their overall wellbeing, job satisfaction, and productivity.
Discover the primary factors that negatively impact psychological health, how team support plays a pivotal role in promoting psychological wellbeing and performance, and why investing in mental wellbeing is a win-win situation for both employees and the bottom line. Let's uncover the secrets to creating a positive work environment where everyone can thrive and find fulfilment.
Q: What are the primary factors that negatively impact psychological wellbeing at work?
Dr. Ellie Smith (ES): The International Bar Association conducted a global study in 2021, revealing that intense work demands, poor work-life balance, and high-pressure environments are detrimental to employees' psychological wellbeing. These factors take a toll on their psychological health, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and burned out.
Q: How can organisations foster good psychological health in the workplace?
ES: Connection is key! The International Bar Association highlighted workplace factors that contribute to positive psychological health, including psychological and social support, civility and respect, staff involvement, and clear leadership. When employees feel supported and connected, they thrive both personally and professionally.
Q: What role does team support play in promoting psychological wellbeing?
ES: Team support acts as a protective barrier against anxiety and stress related to work. Our Positive datasets demonstrate that teams providing high levels of support during times of high stress experience an impressive 11% reduction in anxiety levels (Professional Services Firm; 2021). Teammates who have each other's backs create an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and heard.
Q: Can team support go beyond protection and actually facilitate performance?
ES: Absolutely! Our Positive Insights data shows that team psychological safety not only protects against adversity but also acts as a catalyst for thriving at work. When teams have high support from their colleagues during stressful times, employees report a remarkable 15% increase in their ability to thrive, adapt, and bounce back. Team support propels performance and resilience.
Q: How has the post-pandemic era affected social connections in the workplace?
ES: The pandemic has presented challenges in fostering social bonds at work. A survey by Calm in the US found that the percentage of employees citing a "lack of social connection with colleagues" rose from 7% to 16% post-pandemic. It's crucial to address this and create opportunities for meaningful connections in the workplace. A challenge here being the question around remote versus office working. Everyone business has its preferences, but what’s fundamental is why people should return to the office – providing opportunities to connect and collaborate fosters these key relationships that protect us in times of challenge.
"Stress is not inherently problematic. It's about equipping individuals with the right skills and mindsets to navigate challenges and adversities successfully."
Q: Why should organisations invest in psychological wellbeing initiatives?
ES: Poor mental health is the primary cause of employee absenteeism and reduced productivity (Deloitte: ‘Mental Health and Employers. Refreshing the Case for Investment (January 2020)). It can lead to a decline in ethical judgment and an increase in workplace errors (Reich: ‘Capitalizing on Healthy Lawyers: The Business Case for Law Firms to Promote and Prioritize Lawyer Well-Being’ (2020)). By investing in mental wellbeing, organisations boost engagement, productivity, and overall success. It's a win-win situation for both employees and the bottom line.
Q: Can stress be managed effectively without compromising psychological health?
ES: Absolutely! Our October 2022 Leadership Report reveals that stress is not inherently problematic. More than half of leaders report high stress levels, but a third of them manage their psychological health effectively. It's about equipping individuals with the right skills and mindsets to navigate challenges and adversities successfully.
Conclusion:
In the fast-paced professional world, mental wellbeing is not a luxury—it's a necessity. By fostering team support and prioritising psychological health, organisations create a positive work environment where employees thrive. Let's harness the power of connection, support, and resilience to build a workplace where everyone can perform at their best and contribute to long-term success. Together, we can make mental wellbeing a top priority, transforming workplaces into spaces of growth and fulfilment.
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