Mental health in the workplace

The rate of mental illnesses in the workplace has increased exponentially over the years, which has led to decreased productivity, absenteeism and poor work quality. I recently hosted a session in the Panda Forest on these effects and focused on the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in the workplace for a better working environment and better performance results.

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One of the most common challenges that affects employees psychologically in the workplace is having a difficult boss. In an ideal world, we would all have bosses who help us succeed, make us feel valued and are all-round great people. However, that is not always the case.

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On many occasions, I have come across people who work under a manager that is either a micromanager, has anger management problems, creates unreasonable expectations; shows favouritism towards one person, or lacks competence. This makes it very difficult for an individual to report to work and remain positive. All these issues are detrimental to a person’s mental health and must not be left unaddressed. 

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When faced with these challenges, here are some coping techniques to help you when dealing with a difficult manager: 

1. Take action to remedy the issues: Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor so that you can work together to manage expectations, reach compromises or find alternative ways of working. Prioritise work based on what needs to be done and what can wait.
2. Ask for support: Whether it be from coworkers, friends, or loved ones. 
3. Be proactive about your mental health: Download Panda for daily mental health care support and free resources.
4. Try a relaxing activity:  Take up yoga or meditation, which can help alleviate stress. 
5. 4. Exercise regularly: This can help you to better deal with stress and also take your mind off work.
6. Get some sleep: Sleep restores well-being.
7. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the act of focusing on your breath flow and being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling at all times, without interpretation or judgment.

For more tips on how to manage work stress, join a session in the Forest or propose a topic for a session that interests you. Sessions run from 8am to 10pm every weekday and 10am to 10pm every weekend. Learn more about how Panda can help your business.