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S. E. Muns

Mental Health and How Your Employer is Affecting Yours



You have probably heard about mental health hundreds of times, whether it be from TV, websites you visit, or elsewhere. However, do you know what role your employer should play in protecting it and how they could be hurting you without your knowledge? Just in case you don’t know what mental health is, it is your emotional and phycological well-being.


The importance of good mental health can’t be understated enough, it is essential to living a fulfilling and productive life. It is also an important part in taking bad situations well, without getting overstressed or upset. Fortunately, there are many charities and professionals that can help you if you are struggling with mental health and this is usually the better option over following advice found online.


  • One sign that your employer is overlooking your mental health is that you are being overworked. The result of this can constantly leave you no time for breaks or staying longer than your contract states without wanting to. This can be due to work culture and pressure but if it starts affecting your mental health, you should take action.

  • Poor pay may also have a negative effect on your mental health. If your job doesn’t feel rewarding whether it be from too low pay or not feeling like you are having any effect on the world. This can consistently make you feel down.

  • A toxic work environment may also be taking a toll on your mental health. Whether it be rude co-workers and bosses who harass you, discrimination, or an unfriendly atmosphere, this can be a large factor that can lead to you feeling unhappy.

  • Another sign that your employer may be negatively affecting your mental health is if they have set unrealistic expectations for you. When employers set unrealistic goals or deadlines, it can create feelings of stress and can lead to feelings of anxiety, burnout, and low self-esteem. Equally, not having job security can give you a fear of losing your job which can lead to some of the same outcomes.

  • Finally, poor communication and leadership in the workplace can also contribute to a negative impact on your mental health. This is because it can cause confusion, frustration, and a lack of direction in your work.

Being the victim of these negative workplace environments sucks. However, you can take action to change things for the better. Try talking about the problems that affect your mental health to your supervisor or human resources. They will often be willing to help, especially if they value your work. This is because improving your well-being should improve your morale and efficiency, increasing your productivity which benefits them.


In conclusion, mental health is a crucial aspect of everyone’s overall well-being, and it's important that it receives the attention it deserves, both inside and outside the workplace. Employers have a responsibility to create a safe and supportive work environment that promotes good mental health and well-being for their employees. However, this is not always the case and there can be several signs that suggest that an employer may be negatively impacting their employees' mental health. This includes overworking them, providing poor pay, creating a toxic work environment/culture, setting unrealistic expectations, and lacking effective communication and leadership. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it's essential to speak to your supervisor or HR. By doing so, you can help create a healthier and more productive workplace, benefiting both you and your employer in the long run. Remember getting professional help is always an option if you're struggling with your mental health.


Thank you for reading! And remember taking care of your mental health should always be a top priority, and it's never too late to get help or make positive changes to your work environment by talking responsibly talking to a supervisor.


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