Why mental health is the most important employment condition

The European labour market has a problem. In three words: shortage, shortages and shortages. Between now and 2070, our working population will decrease by 15%. So the problems will only get worse for the time being. It is vital for every organization to keep staff healthy. Physically, but also mentally. Prevention is better than sitting at home. Not only because absenteeism leads to even more shortages, but also because people will stay with you longer if you invest in their mental health. And you become more attractive to future employees.

Rather mentally healthy than a fat salary

In 2023, UKG Workforce Institute conducted extensive research into the importance of mental health for employees in Europe. They interviewed 3400 people in ten different countries. Among other things, they discovered that more than 80% of employees would rather have better mental health than a better salary. Two-thirds of those surveyed also indicated that they were willing to give up their current job for a less well-paid job if that new job offers more mental support.

The manager as the key to happiness at work

Another remarkable finding of the UKG study: the influence of managers and executives on the health of individual team members is greater than that of a doctor or therapist. And about the same as that of a life partner.

When a manager is stressed, it has an impact on the employees he or she manages. The mental state of a manager trickles down, as it were. A manager in balance has a greater chance of leading a team that is balanced. It also works the other way around: stressed team members put pressure on a manager. It is an interaction. That is precisely why it is so important to offer every individual, in every place in the organization, the opportunity to work on his or her mental health.

“More than 80% of employees would rather have better mental health than a better salary.”

Everyone knows stress – so talk about it

Compared to twenty years ago, a lot has improved, but there is still a taboo on mental problems due to work-related stress. People often think it’s their own fault. That they whine. Many managers also think that stress is part of their job description. Comes with the job. They believe that they should be stress-resistant. However, a little too often that means that they mainly have a great stress tolerance. They accept the stress and ignore the problems they experience. This not only has consequences for their personal health, but also for the functioning of their team.

Prevention is better than sitting at home

Because the taboo on the request for help still exists, it is often too late when the alarm is raised. Usually someone is already on the verge of falling over. That is why it is important to pay attention to the mental health of your employees, even if there is (apparently) nothing wrong. There is always something going on. That doesn’t necessarily have to be within an organization. A home situation can also cause stress. Modern life is demanding and world problems can also have an impact on a person’s mental health.

A professional coach for everyone

To prevent problems, it is therefore important to offer employees an accessible way to vent. A coach who knows how people work, understands what is going on and can make someone aware of someone’s pitfalls, (unknown) talents and possible opportunities with the right questions. Someone who recognizes stress and knows what is needed to deal with it better and can help to reduce it.

Managers make the difference

It is also important for managers to develop some skills in recognizing and dealing with mental problems. With themselves and with their team members. They play a crucial role in motivating and supporting their employees. By developing their own skills, they can not only increase the effectiveness of their team, but also contribute to a culture in which employees feel supported and can develop.

The knife cuts both ways: good coaching makes everyone better

A good coach not only promotes the mental health of the individual, but of the entire organization. The better balanced individual employees are, the better their organization will function.

More happiness at work not only means less absenteeism, but also more productivity. When you are structurally working on the mental health of your employees, you also learn to recognize patterns and pitfalls. Without violating the individual’s privacy, coaching can help to improve processes and make the work culture healthier.

Finally, coaching has an impact on the image of an organization. By structurally working on mental health, you ensure a better bond with your current employees and become more attractive to future ones. So it’s good for your employer branding.

Would you rather have a direct conversation about how you can structurally strengthen mental health within your organization? Feel free to pull us by the sleeve. We are happy to think along with you.