Inadequate working conditions can cause stress and be dangerous to one’s mental health, according to a report by the ILO and WHO. Lack of knowledge of mental health issues can make those who are affected by them more susceptible to stigma, discrimination, and exclusion at work, or even prevent them from finding employment in the first place.
If safe and healthy settings are present, working can help protect mental health. Safe and healthy working conditions are a fundamental right for all employees, and they are more likely to promote staff morale, productivity, and work performance.
Factors that undermine mental health at work
- High job demands
- Discrimination
- Under-pay
- Job insecurity
- Lack of opportunities for career development
- Harassment or bullying
Actions to drive change at the workplace
#1 Leadership
Commit to mental health at work with a dedicated leadership, policy and plan
#2 Investment
Secure sufficient funds and resources to deliver your plan
#3 Rights
Uphold people’s rights to participate in work fully and fairly
#4 Integration
Embed mental health into the existing occupational safety and health systems
#5 Participation
Engage workers and people with experience in any decision-making about mental health at work
#6 Evidence
Ensure any interventions implemented are based on the latest evidence
#7 Compliance
Establish performance indicators for monitoring and evaluating actions for mental health
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BUILDING RESILIENCE: Read in this series
