Workplace Mental Health: Solutions and Advice

Why is mental health at work so important?

For employees: A deep impact on well-being and performance

• Decline in personal well-being: Chronic stress, anxiety, and constant pressure can spill over into private life, affecting relationships, sleep, and even physical health. A mind preoccupied with work outside of office hours never truly rests.
• Impact on performance and job satisfaction: Poor mental health often leads to reduced concentration, lower creativity, and difficulty making decisions. The employee feels less engaged, less motivated, and gradually loses the joy of working, which can lead to deep dissatisfaction.
• Increased risks: Lack of support for mental health at work is a major risk factor for burnout—a severe state of professional exhaustion—as well as for the development of anxiety or depressive disorders requiring medical treatment.

For companies: A lever for productivity and sustainability

• Productivity and overall performance: Employees with good mental health are more engaged, focused, and efficient. A healthy work environment boosts innovation, collaboration, and the quality of output, increasing overall productivity.
• Talent retention and employer branding: In a competitive job market, companies that value and protect mental health attract and retain top talent. A healthy company culture becomes a major asset for employer branding and reputation.
• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism: Mental health issues are a leading cause of prolonged absenteeism. Presenteeism (being physically present but unable to fully function) is also costly. Addressing mental health reduces both issues.
• Direct and indirect costs: The financial impacts of poor mental health are significant—rising sick leave, recruitment costs due to turnover, loss of expertise, and reduced productivity. Prevention leads to substantial savings.
• Image and reputation: A company that takes care of its employees' mental health projects a positive image, reinforcing trust among clients, partners, and investors.

The main causes of workplace distress and mental health issues

Organizational factors: when the work environment becomes a stressor

• Excessive and unrealistic workload: Unreasonable deadlines, unmanageable task volumes, or disproportionate expectations are major causes of workplace stress and burnout.
• Lack of recognition: Absence of positive feedback or acknowledgment of effort and success can lead to demotivation and a sense of worthlessness.
• Lack of autonomy and control: Not having a say in decisions affecting one’s work or feeling micromanaged can lead to frustration and helplessness.
• Unclear or conflicting goals: Uncertainty around expectations or juggling incompatible objectives is a significant source of anxiety.
• Poor internal communication: Lack of transparency, late or unclear information can foster distrust, misunderstandings, and feelings of exclusion.
• Job insecurity: Constant fear of losing one’s job creates chronic stress with serious mental health consequences.
• Few or no development opportunities: Feeling stuck in one’s career can lead to demotivation and long-term dissatisfaction.

Relational factors: Human dynamics at the heart of tension

• Conflicts between colleagues or with management: Unresolved disagreements, persistent tension, or lack of respect can poison the work environment.
• Harassment (moral or sexual): A devastating cause of mental health issues, potentially leading to trauma, severe anxiety, and depression.
• Professional isolation: Lack of social support, loneliness, or feeling excluded from the team can heavily weigh on morale.
• Toxic management: Abusive leadership, lack of empathy, constant criticism, or absence of support are direct causes of burnout and psychological distress.

Our tips for protecting your mental health at work

• Identify the signs and listen to yourself: Pay attention to signals your body and mind may be sending (fatigue, irritability, sleep issues, loss of motivation). Don’t ignore them—they are alerts.
• Learn to set boundaries: The right to disconnect is essential. Avoid checking work emails outside of office hours and define clear boundaries between work and personal life. Say “no” when your workload becomes unmanageable.
• Develop stress management strategies: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, regular physical activity, or creative hobbies can be powerful tools to manage stress and maintain emotional balance.
• Speak up and seek help: Don’t isolate yourself. Share your feelings with a trusted colleague, your manager, HR, a staff representative, or a health professional (occupational physician, psychologist). Talking is often the first step toward solutions.
• Maintain work-life balance: Make time for your passions, loved ones, and leisure activities. A balanced life is key to recharging and avoiding burnout.
• Know your rights: Get informed about support mechanisms available in your company and your rights related to mental health and workplace well-being.

What are the signs of psychological distress at work?

Behavioral and emotional signs

• Irritability or mood swings: Someone usually calm becomes easily annoyed, or emotions fluctuate rapidly.
• Withdrawal and isolation: Avoiding social interactions or team activities.
• Decreased engagement and motivation: Loss of enthusiasm for tasks, disinterest in work, difficulty projecting oneself.
• Increased conflicts: More frequent tensions with colleagues or management, or trouble handling disagreements.
• Anxiety and nervousness: Constant agitation, trouble relaxing, intrusive thoughts.
• Persistent sadness or depression: General dismay, loss of pleasure in usual activities.
• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling empty, unable to empathize or connect with others.

Physical signs

• Chronic fatigue: Constant tiredness even after rest.
• Sleep disorders: Trouble falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, unrefreshing sleep.
• Various physical symptoms: Headaches, muscle pain (especially in the back and shoulders), digestive issues with no clear medical cause.
• Appetite changes: Significant weight loss or gain due to appetite fluctuations.

Signs affecting professional performance

• Reduced productivity: Difficulty completing tasks on time, lower quality of output.
• Frequent mistakes: Increased careless errors or forgetfulness.
• Difficulty concentrating: Inability to focus, easily distracted.
• Absenteeism or presenteeism: More sick leave (especially short and repeated) or being at work without being fully effective.
• Increased procrastination: Constantly postponing tasks.

Who to talk to if you feel you need help?

Within the company:

• Your manager or a trusted colleague: If the environment allows, an open conversation can be a first step. A trained manager can help adapt work conditions or provide guidance.
• Human Resources (HR): HR departments are often equipped to handle such situations and can offer internal solutions or refer you to external support. They are bound by confidentiality.
• Occupational health professionals: Occupational doctors or nurses are trained to identify work-related health risks and can provide medical support or referrals. Their role is to protect your physical and mental health at work.
• Employee representatives (CSE, unions): They can inform you about your rights, assist with procedures, and act as mediators if necessary.

Outside the company:

• Your general practitioner: Often the first point of contact. They know your medical history and can listen, diagnose, and refer you to appropriate mental health services.
• A psychologist or therapist: Mental health professionals offer a neutral, confidential space to understand your distress and develop coping strategies.
• Specialized associations: Many organizations provide support, information, and listening services for those in psychological distress or facing burnout. They may offer support groups or hotlines.
• Support hotlines and online platforms: There are anonymous and free listening services dedicated to psychological distress, available 24/7. Don’t hesitate to find and use them.

Staffmatch: Our active commitment to workplace well-being