There are 24 hours a day. That is 24 hours to try to fit in sleeping, eating, working, maybe school, taking care of the family, and if you can find the time, taking care of yourself. On average, reported time spent in America working is between 34-38 hours a week. I emphasized that this is what is reported through payrolls. Because if you ask some of your friends, I bet you will find some working less and some working much more. So on average we are spending over one-third of our daily lives at work. And here is the question…do you like where you work? Do you enjoy what you do? Okay, but is it truly a healthy environment at work?
Stress across the industry
I have family and friends that work in the restaurant industry, teachers, automotive industry, corporate environments, retail, and myself in real estate. There is a common thread to everyone’s snag to a healthy work life. Simply, respect. We all go from the stress at home to stress at work. We have spouses and children that don’t always listen to us or argue with us. Then we get to work and we are faced with coworkers and bosses that don’t communicate properly or ignore us completely. All of this stress impacts our mental health in ways that no one wants to address.
What it is like
As you read this, think about a coworker. It can be anyone. A friend or someone you only know their name. This person is there at work trying to keep their mind on their work. Trying to block out the stress from home. Only to be constantly pushed to get projects done fast, but efficiently. Pushed to look a certain way, act a certain way, or they could be sitting there just trying to understand what it is they are supposed to do. Add in the worry of getting paid and how they will pay their bills. Then add in the drive to and from work. The stress only builds.
Respect in the workplace is vital for employees to be effective. That means allowing them to ask questions, make mistakes (to a point), and giving them the confidence to want to try. Respect also provides time, information, and tools to get the job done. That doesn’t mean to watch over their shoulder, give unrealistic deadlines, and blame them for any faults.
Little things matter
One of the things that many of my friends mention to me is that their coworkers and bosses don’t listen to them. We are all trying to stand up for the company and for ourselves. So when a person has a question, a thought, or a statement, we need to listen. I know employers do struggle with this part. Maybe because they have a vision in their mind, that the idea of something not working is hard for them. The difficulty is, it places added strain on the employees.
Bigger picture
I talk about of this because there are so many people in the world today that don’t just struggle at home. Their work life is causing severe mental health problems. The pressure employees are placed in, is driving many to develop and strengthen their depression, anxiety, and some will turn to substance abuse. Mental Health Support in Workplace-APA.org Life is already stressing enough. At home we have children and family members that impact our mental health with their words and actions. Relationships that push us to believe in ourselves as the other is trying to push us down. Then there is work. We try to do a good job. Be recognized for our work. Only to have employers question our every move.
So much more at work
For me, I enjoy the people I work with. The employers are trying to make sure we are comfortable. But I feel there is so much more that can be done. What? I don’t know yet. Maybe offering an outside third party to confidentially talk with the employees and offer a comfortable place to use as a sounding board. I know in the article on the APA.org site they mention 4-day work weeks and flexible working hours. However, since COVID, many employers have altered the ability to work from home. Allowing employees to be able to find time to step away from the office environment. But the workload remains.
All aspects of life
Mental health is not just about relationships and personal feelings. Every aspect of our lives has an impact on our mental health. I have learned early on that I can either focus on the stress in my life, or I can focus on me. Letting the negativity of life that I see every day, just pass by is very difficult. Too many of us tend to dwell on that negativity and make it stronger. I am too tired for that. I would rather ignore that and try to find the positivity. Having to remind myself daily that I am only responsible for my own happiness. I choose happiness over negativity.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
