How can workers be made to feel mentally healthy?

Survey reveals top seven reasons employees give for staying with a company

How can workers be made to feel mentally healthy?

For those who are experiencing mental health challenges while on the job, flexibility is cited as the number one way to alleviate suffering, according to a Lifeworks survey.

“The pandemic has created a lot of change in our lives, which has resulted in Canadians shifting their priorities. Many employees are now placing more importance on workplace flexibility – when, where and how they work – rather than career progression, which often includes compensation, promotions and professional development,” says Stephen Liptrap, president and CEO of LifeWorks.

Being treated with empathy and imbuing a sense of “value” were other top reasons cited by the survey, while offering “free access to resources and services to help with my mental health” and having someone in authority effectively “dealing with conflict in the workplace” were also seen as important ways to help people who are being challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

More options

In the survey of 3,000 people, that was conducted in January, it also showed that a mixture of hybrid plus flexible work options were actually more highly rated versus career progression with more than double reporting those feelings, according to Lifeworks.

“As more organizations return to the office, it is important for employers to find new ways of supporting employees in this new environment,” says Stephen Liptrap.

Working from home was shown to provide people with a big boost to both their mental and physical health, while more than eight out of 10 of those who are remote, reported being much happier, found another survey.

While liking their jobs is the top reason given for remaining on the job, at 48 per cent, other reasons were provided for staying put:

  • flexibility and self-control (29 per cent)
  • relationships with direct supervisors (25 per cent)
  • feeling appreciated (21 per cent)
  • being proud of the organization and the role they play (19 per cent)
  • organizational culture (19 per cent)
  • feeling psychologically safe to speak their minds freely (14 per cent)

Meanwhile, endless video meetings continued to plague many these days, while there are not enough helpful resources available, according to another survey.