Supporting your Mental Health at Work
Work can play an important role in supporting positive mental health and overall wellbeing. Having a job can provide people with a sense of purpose, confidence, achievement, and financial independence. It also gives structure and routine to daily life, while creating opportunities to build meaningful relationships and feel connected to a wider community. Feeling valued and supported at work can improve motivation, productivity, and self-esteem.
However, while work can have many benefits, unhealthy work environments or unrealistic expectations can negatively affect mental health. Everyone has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment, and employers have a legal responsibility to provide workplaces that support both physical and psychological wellbeing. When workplaces fail to support employees properly, it can lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
What psychological risks are there to poor mental health at work?
Unhealthy work dynamics, also known as psychological risks, are situations or behaviours in the workplace that place ongoing pressure on employees. These risks can affect a person’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and ability to cope with everyday responsibilities. Some common examples include;
- regularly staying late to complete work,
- taking on excessive workloads,
- feeling personally responsible if something goes wrong, or
- experiencing discrimination, bullying, or exclusion from colleagues or management.
Over time, these situations can lead to exhaustion, reduced motivation, difficulty concentrating, and increased stress levels.
One of the most common unhealthy habits in the workplace is consistently working overtime. While staying back occasionally to meet an important deadline may sometimes be necessary, regularly sacrificing personal time can quickly become unhealthy. Constantly overworking reduces opportunities for rest, social connection, and activities that support wellbeing. It can also create an unhealthy expectation that employees should always be available or willing to take on more work than is manageable.
Another major contributor to poor mental health at work is excessive workload. Many employees feel pressure to say yes to every task or responsibility, especially if they are worried about disappointing others or appearing incapable. This can lead to people becoming overwhelmed and struggling to balance competing demands. Feeling responsible for every problem or mistake within a workplace can also place unnecessary emotional pressure on employees and increase anxiety.
How to create healthy boundaries at work
What can you do to go about supporting your mental health at work?;
- One important step is taking regular breaks throughout the day. Breaks allow the mind and body to rest, improve focus, and reduce stress levels. Employees should also try to maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life by avoiding bringing work home whenever possible. Creating boundaries helps people switch off mentally and recharge outside of work hours.
- Open communication is also important. If someone is feeling overwhelmed or struggling with their workload, speaking with a manager or supervisor can help identify solutions. This may include redistributing tasks, adjusting deadlines, or receiving additional support from team members. Asking for help is a positive and responsible step, not a sign of weakness.
- Finally, seeking professional support can make a significant difference. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, counsellor, or support service can help people feel heard and understood. Young people aged 15–25 can access free and confidential support through headspace Work & Study, which provides guidance around mental health, work, and study challenges.
Supporting mental health at work is important for both individuals and workplaces. By recognising unhealthy work dynamics, maintaining healthy boundaries, and seeking support when needed, employees can protect their wellbeing and create a healthier balance between work and life.
Visit the Work & Study website to find support with your mental health at work.
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