How support for staff can reduce the number and frequency of mistakes
Many Canadian workplaces strive to have minimal, if not zero, errors throughout the work process. To achieve this, they mainly focus on the technical aspects like providing proper job equipment and changing work processes.
However, it’s essential to take a step back and consider other factors that can create obstacles and lead to costly workplace mistakes. Employees’ mental health profoundly influences the occurrence of lapses within a work setting.
Mental health support in the workplace
Canada is known for its progressive and proactive society. However, around 70% of Canadian businesses lack a workplace mental health strategy. These numbers are worrying, considering 15% of working adults deal with a mental health condition. It can trickle into absenteeism and decreased productivity, eventually leading to workplace errors.
Aside from lacking proper mental health support, there’s also the matter of dealing with stigma in the workplace. Ignoring people’s state of mind fosters a space of discrimination and shame. Workers are forced to keep their challenges and stresses to themselves, no matter how disturbed they feel.
Mind’s connection to work errors
One reason for work errors is losing focus in the workplace. Mental health concerns take up one’s top of mind, making it difficult to concentrate on their responsibilities. Most conditions also stem from a lack of rest the night before.
There are also mood changes. Conditions like depression and anxiety make employees susceptible to low energy levels and affect their determination to work. If they do accomplish their tasks, there may be mistakes that require revisions later on.
Mood changes are complicated to deal with when working in a team. A lack of synergy can result in office conflict, which reportedly causes workers to lose around 55 work days each year. A lack of collaboration also delays project completion.
Some employees’ mental health concerns also stem from uncertainty about their roles and the company’s expectations. These kinds of stress originate from insufficient guidance and communication from managers. Combined with insurmountable pressure, workers struggle to find their footing and avoid errors while at the workplace.
Mitigating mental health
The connection between mental health and workplace failure is undeniable. However, it shows a clear pathway to improving error reduction. Mental health support is vital to mitigate employees' concerns and ensure they’re fit for work.
You can consider hiring a mental health therapist within the office and including these benefits in your employee’s package. About 64.3% of Canadians who received counselling say their needs were met. As they manage their conditions, they’re prone to making fewer mistakes.
Hold different seminars to educate employees on mental health awareness and sensitivity. Even setting monthly check-ins with one another can make all the difference in maintaining one’s mental health throughout their career.
The workplace environment should also promote work-life balance among its employees. These efforts open up numerous opportunities to discuss the importance of prioritizing one’s mental health, which leads to people confiding in their managers and seeking help.
Maximize mental health support, minimize errors
Work staff requires mental health support and strategies to minimize further errors. It could even boost job productivity and performance, showcasing how it’s a prevention and improvement strategy. Assess the state of your office setting and see how you can further assist employees.
