The State of Workplace Mental Health

Gallup has released its ‘State of the Global Workplace’ report highlighting global employee engagement, mental health and wellbeing challenges in 2023.

The US based multinational analytics and advisory company complied its annual report which outlines the role of work in employee mental health and wellbeing with the aim to answer if employers are suffering or thriving at work.

At Includability, Mental Health and Wellbeing at two of our core pillars of business and we will look at each pillar in greater detail. In this article, we will focus on the mental health aspects.

Check out our wellbeing blog here.

Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in the Workplace

In today's fast-paced work environment, mental health has emerged as a critical issue affecting employees worldwide. Gallup's ‘State of the Global Workplace’ 2023 global report sheds light on the trends in workplace mental health, revealing a complex interplay between employee engagement, daily experiences, and overall life satisfaction.

The report shows overall employee satisfaction and engagement are declining, and negative feelings like stress and loneliness from home working globally are rising. In positive news, Europe is experiencing a lesser decline in engagement and satisfaction than the global average. 

The Prevalence of Loneliness and Its Impact

One of the most striking findings from Gallup's report is the high prevalence of loneliness among employees. 20% of the world's employees experience daily loneliness, with fully remote workers reporting the highest levels at 25%. This isolation is not just a personal issue but has significant implications for workplace productivity and employee well-being.

The report highlights that work itself can decrease loneliness, as working adults are generally less lonely (20%) than their unemployed counterparts (32%).

The Role of Employee Engagement in Mental Health

Employee engagement plays a pivotal role in overall life experiences and mental health. Countries where job opportunities are plentiful tend to have lower rates of active disengagement, as employees can easily leave unfulfilling jobs. This freedom contributes to better mental health outcomes.

Gallup's findings also indicate that managers account for 70% of the variance in team employee engagement.

Engaged managers lead to engaged employees, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances mental health across the organisation.

The Mental Health of Managers

While managers often enjoy higher pay and social status, they are not immune to mental health challenges. Managers report higher levels of stress, anger, sadness, and loneliness compared to non-managers. This paradox highlights the dual role of managers as; they are both key to fostering a supportive work environment and in need of support themselves.

Organisations must recognise that managers, who often provide emotional support to their teams, may require additional resources to manage their own mental health.

The Impact of Disengagement on Mental Health

Disengaged employees face a myriad of mental health issues. High levels of daily stress and worry, alongside elevated negative emotions, are common among those who dislike their jobs.

Gallup's report suggests that being actively disengaged at work can be as detrimental to mental health as unemployment. Conversely, engaged employees tend to thrive, experiencing higher levels of daily enjoyment and lower levels of negative emotions.

This stark contrast underscores the importance of fostering engagement to support mental health.

The State of Mental Health Satisfaction in Europe

The state of mental health satisfaction among employees in Europe reveals some concerning trends but also notable positives. Europe has the lowest regional percentage of engaged employees, indicating a widespread disengagement across workplaces. This lack of engagement can significantly impact employees' mental health, as disengaged workers often experience higher levels of stress and dissatisfaction.

Europe has the second lowest regional percentage of employees experiencing daily sadness at 4% and fewer reporting struggling with work, pointing towards a comparatively better emotional well-being among employees. Europe also enjoys better than global average percentage of thriving employees.  

Strategies for Improving Workplace Mental Health

To address the mental health crisis, employers must adopt a holistic approach that supports both engagement and well-being. Providing appropriate benefits and flexibility is essential, but the most significant impact comes from building high-performing, engaged teams.

Employers should also focus on reducing loneliness through meaningful work interactions, whether in person or via technology.

By recognising the critical role of managers and providing them with the necessary support, organisations can create a healthier, more productive work environment.

Includability’s Community of Mental Health Partner Experts

Are you committed to improving mental health in your workplace?

Join Includability's mental health community of Partner Experts. Our network offers invaluable resources, support, and best practices to help you create a thriving work environment. Connect with like-minded Partner Experts for mental health, attend insightful webinars, and gain access to expert guidance tailored to your organisation’s mental health strategy.

Take the first step towards a healthier, more engaged workforce today. 

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