Do you remember during the Covid pandemic when everything seemed negative and challenging in the corporate world?

Conversations about layoffs, reduced salaries, and extended working hours were common, creating havoc for the public and forcing them to work under difficult conditions set by their organizations.

At the time, it seemed like the added pressure would break employees’ morale and force them to work in an unpredictable market. However, the reality was quite different and unexpected. Many employees left their stable corporate jobs to pursue other career paths as per their interests or Plan B, in favor of mental peace over hefty paychecks.

This phenomenon was not limited to one or two industries but was happening everywhere, earning the nickname “The Great Indian Resignation” and “The Big Quits.”

So, it goes without saying that mental health emerges as the ultimate winner for employees and something much more valuable than a stable salaried income.

In the last few years, you may have noticed that mental health has become an easy topic to discuss on digital and social media platforms.

Hashtags, polls, opinions, open mics, people are using every possible medium and becoming more vocal about sharing their struggles with mental health, and it can be possible that you or someone you know has experienced a similar phase in their lives.

Why does Mental Health matter in the workplace?

A Deloitte study found that more than 80% of employees in Indian corporations experience at least one mental health symptom, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness, and it plays a significant role in an employee’s productivity and engagement at work.

Studies have shown that employees who struggle with their mental health are more likely to be disengaged, resulting in absenteeism, accidents, and errors. It can lead to lower productivity and profitability and ultimately impact growth and share price over a period of time.

Moreover, mental health issues like depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity, according to the World Health Organization.

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Failing to recognize mental health issues in the workplace can also lead to increased turnover rates, with workplace stress being a significant factor in voluntary turnover. It can be costly for companies in terms of recruiting, training, lowered productivity and lost expertise.

Apart from turnover, ‘quiet quitting’ is also a sign of poor mental health. Employees who are ‘quiet quitters’ may not quit the job, but their performance becomes suboptimal, and they only contribute minimally without showing enthusiasm, affecting the productivity of the entire team.

What is the importance of investing in mental health issues?

Recognizing and providing tools and support for mental health can go a long way in keeping your workforce engaged and loyal.

Employees are more susceptible to burnout, anxiety, and stress, so investing in mental health and wellness can help protect companies from toxic environments where employees feel psychologically threatened.

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Addressing mental health is also essential for retaining employees. When employees feel that the organization takes a genuine interest in their well-being, they perform better and serve for a longer duration in their jobs.

Recognizing mental health in the workplace is not only important for the well-being of employees but can also impact a company’s bottom line.

How are we dealing with mental health issues? THE SARVIKA WAY

At Sarvika Tech, we put our people first! Our culture is all about creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and at ease.

We see our employees as more than just their job titles and we understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to balancing work and personal life.

That’s why we have awesome perks like a work-from-home policy, a dedicated kids’ room for working parents, and even staycations to help keep our team energized and productive. We truly believe that happy employees are the key to success, and we work hard to make sure everyone feels valued and supported at all times.

There is a reason why we call ourselves ‘Sarvikans.’ With this, we all have the same identity, irrespective of job roles, duties, and everything that comes with our respective designations.

Our open communication policy ensures that anyone can talk about their physical, mental, and emotional issues without giving a second thought.

We believe that a positive work environment goes beyond the physical area; it’s the leadership where everyone is open to expressing their opinions in their way.

How exactly do we want to convey our message?

Taking a stand for mental health is a commendable move for any company, but it’s crucial to embed this principle into the very fabric of the organization to prevent it from becoming a mere checkbox on a to-do list.

To truly combat this issue and implement effective solutions, it’s essential to cultivate a culture of psychological safety throughout the company. So let’s not just talk the talk, but also walk the walk towards a healthier and happier workplace for everyone!