Mental health and addiction issues can affect anyone, including employees. The workplace can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for many people, leading to mental health and addiction problems. As an employer, it’s essential to recognize the signs of mental health and addiction issues and know how to support your employees. This article will provide some practical tips on how to get help and support for mental health and addiction issues in the workplace.
Recognizing The Signs Of Substance Abuse
Recognizing the signs of substance misuse is the first step in helping employees with mental health and addiction issues. Some common signs of mental health issues include:
- Changes in behavior, such as increased absenteeism or lateness
- Decreased productivity or quality of work
- Increased conflicts with coworkers or management
- Changes in mood, such as increased irritability or anxiety
- Changes in physical appearance or hygiene
Similarly, some common signs of drug abuse include:
- Decreased productivity or quality of work
- Changes in behavior, such as increased absenteeism or lateness
- Increased conflicts with coworkers or management
- Unexplained financial problems
- Changes in physical appearance or hygiene
If you notice these signs, approach your employee with care and concern.
Creating A Supportive Environment
Once you recognize that an employee may struggle with mental health or a substance use disorder, the next step is creating a supportive environment. This involves several things, including:
- Encouraging open communication: Let employees know they can come to you with any concerns or issues without fear of judgment or reprisal.
- Providing resources: Offer resources such as employee assistance programs, mental health hotlines, and addiction treatment centers.
- Promoting work-life balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use vacation time, and prioritize self-care.
- Avoiding stigma: Avoid stigmatizing language or behavior and treat mental health and addiction issues as any other health concern.
- Providing accommodations: If necessary, provide flexible scheduling or time off for treatment.
The Effects Of Overworking Employees
According to research, extended working hours may be associated with increased alcohol consumption. Workers who put in more than 48 hours of work per week are 11% more likely to engage in dangerous drinking behavior than those who work the standard 40 hours per week. For employees who work an average of 55 hours per week, the likelihood of problematic drinking behavior increases to 13%.
Furthermore, the study discovered that male workers who worked more than 48 hours per week consumed over 21 alcoholic drinks weekly, while female workers who worked the same hours consumed more than 14 drinks weekly.
Nearly 9% of employed adults suffer from a substance use disorder. This includes 6.7% with an alcohol use disorder and 1.6% with a cannabis use disorder. Industries with younger, predominantly male workforces, such as construction, exhibit higher rates of substance use disorders. Similarly, industries with convenient access to alcohol, such as entertainment and food service, also experience higher rates. Nevertheless, drug use can be found in workers from all industries.
Offering Mental Health Treatment & Behavioral Healthcare
Finally, it’s essential to offer supportive treatment options for employees struggling with mental health or addiction issues. This may include:
- Employee assistance programs: Many employers offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), which provide counseling and other mental health services.
- Referral to outside resources: If an employee needs more specialized treatment, provide referrals to mental health or addiction treatment centers.
- Support groups: Offer support groups for employees struggling with mental health or addiction issues.
- Flexible scheduling: Consider offering flexible options for treatment appointments or recovery time.
- Return-to-work programs: Develop return-to-work programs for employees who have taken time off for mental health or addiction treatment.
Why Mental Health Services Are Needed In The Workplace
A survey by the American Psychological Association in 2021 revealed that nearly three out of five employees (59%) have recently experienced the negative effects of work-related stress. Furthermore, 87% of employees believe their employers’ actions could improve their mental health. Employees who frequently feel tense or stressed during work are over three times more likely to seek employment elsewhere within the next year, which can pose challenges for employers who want to keep their valuable staff.
Certain populations are experiencing a disproportionate burden regarding mental illness. Although anxiety and depression symptoms have significantly increased over the last two years, data from the National Center for Health Statistics’ Household Pulse Survey indicate that Black Americans report higher mental health problems than the general population. This is due to various complex factors, such as cultural norms and systemic obstacles to accessing mental health assistance. Additionally, those who have had COVID-19 and are now experiencing long-lasting symptoms (known as long COVID) report mental health conditions such as anxiety and stress.
Mental Health & Addiction Treatment at Launch Center
Mental health and addiction issues can significantly impact the workplace, but there are ways to support struggling employees. By recognizing the signs of mental health and addiction issues, creating a supportive environment, and offering treatment options, employers can help employees get the help they need. At Launch Center in Los Angeles, we offer a variety of mental health and addiction treatment programs that can help employees get back on track. Contact us today to learn more about you.
