Workplace toxicity linked to poor mental health
35% of employees and over half of the CEOs surveyed agreed that their company culture is toxic.
Despite heightened awareness for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) efforts in the workplace, feelings of connectedness and belonging have plummeted for employees and their CEOs.
A new study released by Businesssolver, saw double-digit declines in belonging and connectedness among employees and CEOs – over half of which also reported that they had experienced a mental health issue within the last year.
Despite signs of increased DEIB efforts, 35% of employees and over half of the CEOs surveyed agreed that their company culture is toxic.
“The data shows quite clearly that now is the time to invest in people,” said Lisa Alvarado, Managing Director at Holistic, a DEIB and People Experience consultancy. “It is crucial for leaders to craft intentional strategies that ensure DEIB effectiveness and cultivate employee engagement, professional development, and optimism in the workplace. Measurable and demonstrable success is more important than ever, and we are pleased to bring key strategies forward in Businesssolver’s latest report.”
Notably, the study found a strong association between toxicity in the workplace and mental health issues amongst employees. Employees who identify their workplace as being toxic are 47% more likely to cite mental health issues than those who do not indicate their workplace is toxic.
Yet a pervasive stigma around mental health in the workplace still remains. According to the study, 81% of CEOs, 72% of HR and 67% of employees agree that organizations view individuals with mental health issues as “weak” or a “burden.”
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Organizations looking to improve the mental health of their employees and increase empathy within the workplace should pay greater attention to flexibility, according to the study. Flexible working hours were identified by employees as a primary mental health benefit, along with open-door policies, mental health benefits offered at enrollment, employee assistance programs (EAPs), access to online mental health resources or clinics and encouragement to take breaks away from work.
The data also makes the connection between workplace toxicity and poor mental health evident. Ninety percent of employees, HR and CEOs agree that senior leadership should openly discuss mental health issues to create a safe working environment for other employees to emulate.