Workplaces are often seen as a source of stress, contributing to poor mental health for many employees. However, research shows that with the right approach, work can also positively support mental health and improve treatment access.
Mental health concerns have become a global issue, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) identifying depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide. In South Africa, a 2016 study revealed that depression-related absenteeism and presenteeism cost the economy R232 billion annually, representing 5.7% of the GDP at the time. Globally, the economic impact of untreated depression is estimated at a staggering US$1 trillion per year.
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Given that one in three South African adults is likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime and considering the amount of time people spend at work, it’s clear that the workplace has an important role to play in addressing mental health. According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), the workplace can harm or heal mental well-being, depending on how it’s managed.
The Power of Meaningful Work
“Good, meaningful work and mentally healthy work environments are beneficial for protecting mental health and aiding recovery from mental illness,” says Dr. Siki Gwanya-Mdletye, a psychiatrist and member of SASOP. She highlights that prioritising mental health in the workplace improves not only individual well-being but also boosts organisational performance and contributes to economic growth.
However, the reverse is also true: unhealthy work environments or exposure to workplace trauma can exacerbate mental health issues. The workplace is, therefore, a double-edged sword—it can either enhance or diminish mental well-being, particularly for those already vulnerable to mental illness.
Bridging the Mental Health Treatment Gap
One of the most pressing challenges in South Africa is the treatment gap, where 75% of individuals with common mental health disorders like depression and anxiety go untreated. Dr. Gwanya-Mdletye points out that workplaces, with their structured environment and access to employees for most of the week, offer a promising opportunity to bridge this gap.
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“Workplaces can provide a consistent location for wellness interventions, offering a pathway to early detection and treatment,” she explains. Early referral for treatment not only shortens the duration of mental illness but also reduces the need for more costly specialist care down the line. Additionally, workplace-based healthcare services encourage treatment adherence—a critical factor in successfully managing mental illness.
Beyond Pampering Sessions
While some companies may opt for short-term feel-good solutions like spa days, Dr. Gwanya-Mdletye emphasises that genuine mental health support in the workplace requires more. Structured interventions, employee wellness programs and workplace-based healthcare can provide long-term benefits, ensuring that the well-being challenges are identified and addressed early on.
Maintaining employment during treatment is another critical factor. “Engaging in meaningful work allows individuals with mental health conditions to continue earning a living, remain productive and maintain their independence and dignity,” she adds.
Extending Support Beyond Employees
South Africa’s high unemployment rate complicates efforts to focus mental health interventions solely on employees. Dr. Gwanya-Mdletye suggests that, where possible, workplace interventions should be extended to employees’ families and immediate communities to create a broader support system.
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Work can indeed be both a source of stress and a platform for well-being. By fostering mentally healthy environments and leveraging workplace healthcare services, companies can support the well-being of their employees and ultimately, their own growth and productivity.
