Mental safety is a critical aspect of workplace safety, as mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression can have a significant impact on employee well-being and workplace productivity. Statistics show that mental health issues are prevalent in the workplace, with nearly 20% of adults in the U.S. experiencing some form of mental illness each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Workplace stress is a significant contributor to mental health issues, with 64% of adults in the U.S. reporting that their work is a significant source of stress, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association. Anxiety is also a common issue in the workplace, with 72% of people who experience daily anxiety and stress saying that it interferes with their work, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

The impact of mental health issues on workplace safety is significant, as employees with depression have a 35% higher risk of workplace accidents and injuries than their colleagues without depression, according to the National Safety Council. Similarly, employees with anxiety have a 70% higher risk of workplace accidents and injuries than their colleagues without anxiety.

Poppy Life Care CEO Erica Solis emphasizes the importance of mental safety in the workplace, stating that “Mental safety is critical for employee retention and engagement. When employees feel mentally safe, they are more likely to be happy and satisfied with their jobs, which can lead to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.” Employers have an important role to play in ensuring the mental safety of their employees, and they can do so by creating a safe and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. This can be achieved by providing employees with resources and support, such as access to mental health resources and training on mental health issues.

Holistic treatment protocols such as mindfulness, breathwork, and other practices can also help to address chronic stress and anxiety in the workplace and promote mental and emotional well-being. These practices can help employees to manage stress and anxiety more effectively and create a safer and more supportive environment for all employees. According to Erica Solis, “Incorporating mindfulness, breathwork, and other holistic treatment protocols into the workplace can help employees to reduce stress and anxiety and promote mental and emotional well-being.”

By prioritizing mental safety in the workplace, employers can create a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation while reducing negative behaviors such as gossiping, bullying, and backstabbing. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower turnover rates, which can benefit both employees and the organization.

Employers have a crucial role to play in helping workers improve their mental wellbeing at work. There are several things that employers can do to support their employees’ mental health:

1. Provide resources and support: Employers can provide employees with resources and support, such as access to an employee assistance program (EAP), counseling services, and mental health resources. Employers can also provide training and education on mental health issues to help employees understand the importance of mental safety and how to support their colleagues.
2. Create a positive work environment: Employers can create a work environment that promotes positivity and respect by encouraging open communication, creating a culture of support, and addressing negative behaviors such as bullying and harassment.
3. Encourage work-life balance: Employers can encourage work-life balance by offering flexible work schedules, providing opportunities for employees to take breaks, and encouraging employees to take time off when they need it.
4. Promote mindfulness and other holistic treatment protocols: Employers can promote mindfulness, breathwork, and other holistic treatment protocols by providing resources and support for employees to practice these techniques at work.
5. Lead by example: Employers can lead by example by promoting mental health and wellbeing within the organization, prioritizing mental safety, and demonstrating support for employees who are experiencing mental health issues.

By taking these steps, employers can create a work environment that supports the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower turnover rates, which can benefit both employees and the organization. As Erica Solis of Poppy Life Care notes, “Creating a culture of mental safety and wellbeing is essential for creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported.”