Is Work Negatively Impacting Your State of Mind?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are an estimated 264 million people who suffer from depression, many of whom also suffer from symptoms of anxiety. While it states that work is good for health - where a healthy state of mental wellbeing can contribute to improved productivity - a negative working environment can lead to physical and mental health challenges.

If you have noticed a drop in your productivity and creativity, a lack of motivation to work or get to the office, a loss of passion for tasks you previously found engaging and a disconnect with your colleagues or even your loved ones, these stats clearly show that you are not alone.

Spend some time thinking about your work situation and see if you can identify your trigger points. This article also shares some useful tips for improving your state of mind and resources you can receive support from.

Understanding the What: Work Content x Work Context

It is good to evaluate your circumstances and acknowledge that there are many contributing factors when it comes to your work performance, and understand how it relates to your mental wellbeing.

Work Content: working conditions, job content, participation and control, workload, pace of work and work schedule

Work Context: organisation of work and labour, organisational culture and function, interpersonal relationships and home-work interfaces

It is important to note that during COVID-19, mandatory WFH and split team arrangements have led to drastic changes to work content and context, contributing to new stressors for many employees.

Practicing the How: What Can I Do?

Here are several steps you can take to improve your state of mind:

1. Find out if your company has mental wellness champions who can help to raise awareness of wellbeing and mental health conditions through talks and workshops

   1. These programmes can include lunchtime talks on stress management, emotional regulation, relaxation techniques and more

2. Speak to your HR rep about Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) where you can speak to a professional service provider on your work and non-work related challenges in a safe and private space

If you feel uncomfortable speaking to someone at work about how you are feeling, here are some other resources in Singapore you can tap on for the support you need.

Knowing the Why: Speaking Up and Reaching Out

It can be extremely difficult to acknowledge and accept your current situation, and even harder to voice them out. The reality is that everyone has their own challenges, even if it may not seem so on the surface (or Instagram). The important thing is that you get the support and outlet you need to feel your best, so you can do your best.

Being vulnerable is the bravest and strongest thing you can do for yourself when you need help, learn to build your support system both at home and at work.

Know someone who is struggling at work but you’re unsure of how to help? Sign up to be a WSQ-Certified Training in Peer-to-Peer Mental Wellbeing Support @ Work to be equipped with psychological first-aid skills and learn how to support your friends, colleagues or peers.

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