Top 3 workplace 'threats' that destroy your mental health
Key Takeaways
Industry Insights
“Unequal pay violates a sense of fairness that will create a perpetual cycle [in which] one employee will begin to contribute less to the work of the team, which will [then] ripple out to the rest of the team, ultimately impacting the quality of the work provided by the organization.” - Silvia Russen, a business psychologist and doctoral researcher at City, University of London
As demonstrated by Blake Lively’s lawsuit against her “It Ends With Us” costar Justin Baldoni, sexual harassment can have serious implications on someone’s mental health and well-being.
Sexual harassment
There are many threats that can make work mentally and emotionally taxing, but harassment continues to be one of the biggest workplace issues that frequently goes unreported, according to the National Sex Violence Resource Center.[]
Employees who experience harassment in the workplace are more likely to experience frequent headaches, digestive problems, and muscle tension, according to Silvia Russen, a business psychologist and doctoral researcher at City, University of London.
And the impact on their well-being can be devastating. “Emotionally, feelings of shame, humiliation, or fear can erode personal identity and sense of security,” Russen says. As a result, workers may begin to socially isolate themselves, become overly accommodating to avoid conflict, and lash out at others, she adds.
“Employees who experience this also become less productive, as more time is spent focusing on their coworker than on their responsibilities,” J Cangialosi, LCPC, a therapist and clinical development coordinator at Relief Mental Health, says.
Unequal pay
Unequal pay is another factor that can negatively affect people’s mental health. Research shows that when women are paid less than their male colleagues, they’re more likely to experience depression and anxiety.[] It’s common for underpaid workers to feel resentment and less commitment to their job; they may feel anxious and concerned about their career progression and may reduce their effort at work or look for a new job, according to Russen.
“Unequal pay violates a sense of fairness that will create a perpetual cycle [in which] one employee will begin to contribute less to the work of the team, which will [then] ripple out to the rest of the team, ultimately impacting the quality of the work provided by the organization,” Cangialosi says.
Long hours
Grueling hours can also lead to irritability, depression, and disengagement. “Behaviorally, employees might cut corners or exhibit absenteeism in a desperate attempt to recuperate,” Russen says.
Finally, working long, demanding hours can increase people’s risk for developing sleep problems, such as insomnia, along with hypertension and burnout. “Neurologically, fatigue compromises cognitive capacity, making employees more susceptible to errors and impulsive decisions,” Russen says.
Long hours leave no time for self-care or rest and recuperation. As a result, people’s productivity and performance will suffer. “If productivity was 100% today, it will be 80% tomorrow, 60% the next day, and so on,” Cangialosi says.