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Maintaining strong mental health is essential for both personal and professional success. With mental health accounting for 40% of short and long-term disability claims, employers must recognize the indicators of mental illness and assist employees in improving their mental health. Both companies and employees benefit from creating and maintaining a mentally and physically healthy work environment. As an employer, you have a responsibility of care to all of your employees, and it's critical to put their mental health and well-being first.

By expressing compassion and empathy to your employees, you may address the problem and help them increase their productivity. You can also show that you care by confronting them, strengthening your relationship and well-being, and helping your organization. When we see the indicators of someone battling mental health, counseling and treatment professionals can intervene and help that person avoid undesirable consequences. It might be tough to spot the signs of someone having mental health challenges. Here's a place to start and some of the more typical indicators that someone might be struggling. 

Signs Your Employee is Struggling with Their Mental Health

1. Their performance has dropped

One of the first signs that your employee has mental issues is reducing their performance. Your employee's mental challenges may be causing them to procrastinate, fail to complete duties, or fail to fulfill their goals. Make a mental note of it and inquire about it. Employee disengagement and declining performance might have a variety of causes based on their circumstances, but it can also signal poor mental health. The following are some of the warning signs:

• failure to fulfill particular aims or performance targets
• procrastination or failure to complete work on time
• inability to fulfill crucial responsibilities
• decrease in overall work production

2. Absenteeism

Absenteeism and tardiness can be indicators of depression. Employees that are frequently sad find it difficult to do routine activities. It can be challenging to get to work or even sit behind a computer and work remotely. Workplace stress can exacerbate mental health difficulties and lead to absenteeism. While many people only take a day off when struggling with depression, these disorders can also produce extra physical complications that necessitate care and time away from work. 

Humans were created to work, but we also need to rest. Provide your staff with flexible work arrangements, whether that means more flexible work hours, vacation time, or work-from-home options. Demonstrate to your team that you respect their time off. Productivity suffers when employees do not get enough rest, regardless of their mental health.

3. Mood swings and erratic behavior

When coping with a lot of stress, some people's moods and personalities change. From lash outs or bullying other employees to missing lunch and having a more distant disposition than usual, there are various signs that something is wrong. Employers can try hosting informal and engaging workshops once a month to educate and openly express mental health concerns and how they can affect their personal and professional lives. Additionally, some firms promote support services such as counseling provided through Employee Assistance Programs.

4. Excessive sleeping or lack of sleep

Sleep disturbances are not only a typical sign of a mental health disorder, but they can also be the cause. Changes in a person's sleep patterns, whether they are sleeping less or sleeping all day, can indicate that their mental health is deteriorating. According to Harvard research, “Chronic sleep difficulties impact 50% – 80% of clients in a typical clinical setting, compared to 10% to 18% of individuals in the general US population…Populations with mental health issues have a higher prevalence of sleeping problems.” Everyone has days when they can't sleep or sleep too much, but keep looking for unusual sleeping habits that endure for a long time.

5. Changes in physical appearance

Mental diseases have an impact on a person's motivation as well. So, if your employee arrives at work unkempt and disheveled and it’s out of character, take it as an indication that they are having mental difficulties. A person's capacity or drive to take care of their physical appearance might be impacted by mental health challenges. You should not disregard signs of lack of grooming, poor personal hygiene, or dressing inappropriately.

6. Trouble making decisions

Anxiety and depression can cause rapid decision fatigue, lowering the quality of work and increasing workplace disengagement. Withdrawal from social gatherings, particularly with coworkers: Employees who appear distant from their work colleagues and the company's social culture may be suffering from mental illness. Many people with mental health issues experience loneliness, self-loathing, and isolation. Direct managers and coworkers are more likely to understand an employee's decision-making skills better. Direct managers should check in with their staff one-on-one regularly. Make sure your personnel are aware that you are there to assist them.

7. High staff turnover

Most employees do not leave their positions quickly, and the cause is frequently poor management, a negative workplace culture, and the detrimental impact it is having on their lives, rather than the nature of the job. Employees with mental health concerns may resign if they believe their situation will not improve while still at work. Employers should investigate why employees are leaving. Many senior managers use exit interviews to detect underlying workplace issues since respondents are encouraged to be honest and frank without fear of retaliation.

8. They are constantly involved in conflicts

If you see your employee is always in conflict with others, shows a hesitation to interact, or is emotionally distant, it could be a red flag. It's a clue that they need help if they act aggressively or get upset quickly. Changes in your employee's work routines and decision-making abilities are another essential warning flag you should not overlook. While lower-than-average productivity is a red flag, the inability to make sound decisions is also a sign that your employee is struggling mentally.

Mental Health Warning Signs

If you notice a coworker's behavior or performance shifting over time, inquire about their well-being. The role is to demonstrate care and concern for another individual rather than diagnose. You may make a big difference by doing so and checking in fosters a caring culture in the workplace. 

Use the NOTICE. TALK. ACT approach in checking in. It is essential to know and be aware of emerging symptoms or warning signs and take action. Early detection can help in lowering the severity of a condition. It may even be possible to avoid or delay the onset of a significant mental disorder.

Listening is beneficial, but so is connecting a concerned person with care. It can begin with a reminder of the Employee Assistance Program. Also, suggest that the person seeks the help of a healthcare expert. Inquire about how you might help the person in obtaining support and care. Do not leave the person alone if you are concerned about their immediate safety. Seek immediate aid. If not, follow up with the individual in a day or two to see how things are going.

How Can You Help

You'll need a strategy in place before approaching the employee. Whether you consult your human resources department, business department, or others, it's critical to get expert advice before making a significant decision. A leader must have a strategy not just for the advantage of your company but also for the good of your employees. Since mental health issues are distinct from other performance-related problems, a unique strategy is required. It will help if you empathize with their concerns, challenges, and personal troubles.

Never judge against someone who has a mental disorder, and keep your talk confidential. It's crucial to note that most persons with mental health disorders don't choose to feel this way and that if they did, their challenges would have no impact on their professional life. Asking your employee if anything makes work difficult for them is an excellent way to express your concerns. It's critical to give your employee the flexibility and space to express themselves and speak freely. The subsequent phases are determined by the meeting and discussion with your employee. As the employer, you must give them the option to seek assistance if they desire.

Conclusion

When a person's life undergoes significant changes, it is critical to keep mental health discussions at the forefront. Though we all have bad days and challenging times, keep a lookout for a loved one who has a significant shift in behavior over an extended period of time. If you're concerned about someone, the first thing you should do is inquire if they require assistance.