Introduction

The correlation between existing mental disorders or primary anxiety disorders and work-related anxiety further emphasizes the complexity of this issue. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions are more susceptible to experiencing heightened anxiety in their professional lives. This relationship underscores the importance of addressing mental health holistically, considering both personal and professional spheres.

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The impact of workplace anxiety in India is profound, affecting not only the mental health of employees but also the productivity and overall well-being of organizations. The high prevalence of anxiety disorders among working professionals necessitates a strategic approach to mental health in the workplace, one that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive support. But what do we do about it? To simplify matters, we found the best ways to tackle this issue from 2 perspectives: Corporate (Requires company funding, and organisation cooperation) and Team (Can be done at a team or group level, does not require much in the way of financial or administrative resources)

Five Methods to Tackle Workplace Anxiety: CORPORATE EDITION (Aka the Funded Franky Edition)

  • Mental Health Education and Awareness Programs: Educating employees about mental health, including the signs and symptoms of anxiety, can foster a more supportive and understanding work environment. Awareness programs can help destigmatize mental health issues and encourage employees to seek help. (Ahem, did we mention we offer such programmes? Click here to find out more.)
  • Accessible Mental Health Services: Providing easy access to mental health services, such as counselling or therapy, within the workplace can be a crucial step. Digital therapeutics, such as online counselling and mental wellness apps, can offer flexible and personalized support. (Psst, check out DocSy’s Group Mental Wellness Plans)
  • Mindfulness and Stress Management Workshops: Incorporating mindfulness practices and stress management techniques into the work routine can help employees manage anxiety. Regular workshops or group sessions focusing on relaxation techniques can be beneficial. (We do this too at DocSy!)
  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work hours and the option to work from home can significantly reduce work-related stress and anxiety. This approach respects individual work styles and life commitments, contributing to a healthier work-life balance. (Only your corporate overlords can help with this, alas.)
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  • Organizational Culture of Support and Inclusivity: Creating an organizational culture that values mental health and fosters inclusivity can help alleviate workplace anxiety. Encouraging open communication, providing support systems, and promoting group mental wellness activities are key strategies. (The onus of this one is on everyone, right from you, beloved reader, to you corporate overlords.)

Five Methods to Tackle Workplace Anxiety: TEAM EDITION (Aka the Bootstrapped Billie Edition)

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness exercises and meditation can significantly reduce anxiety. Contemporary research has shown that mindfulness-based stress reduction practices in the workplace led to reduced stress and burnout in employees. (We’ve got great free videos to help with this!)
  • Physical Activity and Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, like a quick walk or stretching during breaks, can help alleviate anxiety, as well as other feelings of mental distress.
  • Light Makes Right: While it may seem obvious, making sure you have between 15-30 minutes of daily exposure to sunlight can help improve mental health, as well as help you make Vitamin D, which is deficient in most Indian employees (But that’s a rant for another time.) In case of artificial lighting, here’s what helps: Cold-tone lighting with high illuminance in the mornings for maximum productivity. Additionally enhancing this with warm shades of blue also helps reduce fatigue and helps sleep better.
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  • Green Giants: Research across decades has established that having plants in the workplace is a low-cost, high ROI method of improving employee health at the workplace. From small aromatic herbs or bonsais at everyone’s table to large flowering plants, they have the added benefit of humidification of office air, which counteracts the unavoidable side effect of central air-conditioning; Dryness.
  • Fishy Findings: This is going to sound fishy, but interacting with pets of any kind are scientifically linked to reduced anxiety and stress levels in humans. We suggest an aquarium for the simple reason that allergies to animal hair and dander can be bypassed using this, as well as fish tanks being quite low maintenance.
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    These practices, backed by scientific research, not only help in reducing anxiety but also contribute to an overall healthier work atmosphere. Implementing these strategies can lead to more satisfied and productive employees.

    To C-suite executives and managers reading this, we say, hey, let’s talk.

    To all other employees reading this, hope we were able to help you out. Give what we’ve got a try, and thanks for your time.

References:

  • American Institute of Stress. Workplace Stress. [Internet]. Weatherford (TX): The American Institute of Stress; [cited 2023 Dec 12]. Available from: https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress
  • Martin A, Sanderson K, Cocker F. Meta-analysis of the effects of health promotion intervention in the workplace on depression and anxiety symptoms. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2009 Jan;35(1):7-18. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.1295. Epub 2008 Dec 9. PMID: 19065280.
  • Bondar J, Babich Morrow C, Gueorguieva R, et al. Clinical and Financial Outcomes Associated With a Workplace Mental Health Program Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(6):e2216349. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.16349
  • Shiri R, Turunen J, Kausto J, Leino-Arjas P, Varje P, Väänänen A, Ervasti J. The Effect of Employee-Oriented Flexible Work on Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 May 10;10(5):883. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10050883. PMID: 35628020; PMCID: PMC9141970.
  • Wolever, R. Q., Bobinet, K. J., McCabe, K., Mackenzie, E. R., Fekete, E., Kusnick, C. A., & Baime, M. (2012). Effective and viable mind-body stress reduction in the workplace: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 17 (2), 246–258.
  • Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Loughren, E. A., Kinnafick, F. E., Taylor, I. M., Duda, J. L., & Fox, K. R. (2018). Changes in work affect in response to lunchtime walking in previously physically inactive employees: A randomized crossover trial. Work & Stress, 32 (2), 135–153.
  • Agarwal P. How Does Lighting Affect Mental Health In The Workplace? Forbes. December 31, 2018. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pragyaagarwaleurope/2018/12/31/how-does-lighting-affect- mental-health-in-the-workplace/?sh=153437bd4ccd
  • Clements H, Valentin S, Jenkins N, Rankin J, Baker JS, Gee N, Snellgrove D, Sloman K. The effects of interacting with fish in aquariums on human health and well-being: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2019 Jul 29;14(7):e0220524. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220524. PMID: 31356652; PMCID: PMC6663029.
  • de Vries S, Hermans T, Langers F. Effects of indoor plants on office workers: a field study in multiple Dutch organizations. Frontiers in Psychology. 2023;14. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1196106.