Mental health has become a much talked about subject across the World right now so we have been investigating this delicate field within the workplace and if people felt that mental health had possibly been triggered by certain working situations. With many people working long hours, feeling stressed and struggling to maintain a healthy work life balance it would seem like there could be a link between the two.
The survey asked if people or their friends/colleagues/people they knew had suffered with mental health issues triggered by work related issues. Reassuringly, 70% said no but there were still 30% saying yes, showing us that some working environments may not be right for many. Although the response clearly shows more people stating no, which is great, there is still a large proportion (the 30%) that are suffering, most probably in silence, because of something related to work which could be avoided or addressed. On top of this, we must also account for those who do suffer with mental health issues but do not realise that it is their workplace or job causing it. An interesting statistic according to MIND, the mental health charity found that one in six people suffer from mental health in the workplace.
So, what can we as workers do to try to manage mental health or reduce the potential of it hitting us altogether? Here are some things to think about....
- Take regular breaks and go for a walk to get fresh air
- Create fun social situations with the people you work with, like lunches, drinks, bowling etc
- Listen to music to help you to unwind, de-stress
- Eat healthily and avoid excess alcohol
- Manage the work life balance by avoiding doing too many hours
- Build a to-do list that you can use to make sure you do not become overwhelmed and over-loaded
- Do not leave any problems or uncertainties to brew and always address them with your bosses or colleagues
The MIND website, has some great ideas that we would recommend reading if this is something affecting you. Click here to have a look.
With the Christmas party season kicking off this week, we thought it suitable to review some tips to surviving it and investigate whether employees "hated them and do not go", "go but prefer not to" or totally "love it and always go"!
Our latest study found that 47% of employees do actually LOVE a Christmas party and always attend. Well, why not? It is an excuse to socialise with your work colleagues, enjoy food and drinks paid for by the company and have a night out!
On the other hand though, 25% unfortunately hated the thought of going to their Christmas party and find an excuse not to go. Are you one of these employees? Come on, tell us what your excuse is this year? On top of this, 28% go because they feel that they have to but prefer not to.
If you are one of those people avoiding the celebrations at Christmas with your work colleagues have a read over the following tips to help with surviving the night:-
- drink a glass of water with every alcoholic drink;
- have a cut off time - pre-book your taxi home and stay safe;
- make sure you either eat before you go out or eat the food that is provided;
- do not go overboard with your choice of outfit and reveal too much flesh;
- pace yourself with the amount you drink and avoid any shots;
- stay away from office politics and gossip as it can get out of control on a night out when everyone relaxes;
- enjoy some dancing but avoid provocative dancing with your work colleagues and bosses;
- avoid posting onto social media throughout the evening;
- try to steer the conversation away from work.
If you can keep some of these pointers in mind, you are sure to enjoy your Christmas party without facing any uncomfortable situations. Have fun, stay safe and be merry!
