Mental Health in the Workplace – Why Does It Matter?

A few years ago, if someone had asked me whether mental health should be a workplace concern, I would’ve laughed and said, “Come on, we’ve got KPIs to meet!”
Mental health? Therapy? That sounded like a luxury—something for people with too much free time.
But that’s no longer my perspective.
Just a few weeks ago, we had a mental health awareness session at my workplace, facilitated by a professional. And let me tell you—it flipped the script for many of us.
Where I come from, and in most parts of Africa, mental health at work is still a taboo topic. There are so many stereotypes. If someone’s energy dips, they’re seen as lazy or unserious. But saying you're stressed or depressed? That’s almost unthinkable.
Yet here’s the truth:
Conversations around mental health are no longer optional—they’re essential.
In today’s fast-paced work culture, people are juggling personal challenges, economic pressure, and societal expectations while trying to meet ever-rising demands. Ignoring mental wellbeing doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts teams, performance, and the entire organization.
The statement that stuck with me most during that session was:
“If you have a brain, you’re at risk of experiencing mental health issues given the conditions.”
It sounds so simple, yet it’s so powerful.
As we shared stories and connected the dots, many of us realized we had experienced these things ourselves—without knowing what they were. That “moody” colleague? Maybe they’re not just being difficult. Maybe the work environment is weighing them down. Unless someone is diagnosed, we may never know—But one thing is always within our control: kindness..
I’m truly grateful to Blue Crane Communications for creating a space for this conversation and providing us with the knowledge we didn’t even know we needed—until now.
With the rise of Gen Z in the workplace—a generation that understands their emotions and cares deeply about mental wellbeing—I, being Gen Z myself, am left with questions:
What are you, as a leader, individual, or company, doing differently?
Please share—someone might just pick a leaf… or even the whole tree 🌳😄.
Please sign in
If you are a registered user on AVIXA Xchange, please sign in
@Racheal Aye, CTS this is such a powerful post, and yes, "if you have a brain, you are at risk..." is very true, and it's a great way to put things in perspective. I feel fortunate that I work with leadership who understands that we're all human, and that everyone is dealing with things outside of work we might not be aware of. It makes it easier to model this behavior myself. A little bit of kindness in tough situations goes a long way!
Thank you @Dana Jelter - AVIXA for the comment. Happy to hear that your work is prioritizing your mental well being.
I couldn't agree more with Rachael insights. But you need a company that invest in the well-being of their employees. A company success can be measured by the happiness of its employee. If they are happy, they will feel motivated to stay and thrive for the company. On of the latest trends that my manager has introduced is Happynomics. With this new methodology, we focus on what factors influence it, and how it can be used to make better policy decisions.
Absolutely! A company that invests in the well-being of its employees is more likely to thrive. Thank you and happy for you @Sara Quarantelli . I'll definitely take some time to read more about Happynomics. Sounds like a powerful approach!
Absolutely agree, modern workspaces are increasingly recognizing that mental health isn’t just a personal matter, but a critical part of workplace culture. Supporting employees with the space and resources they need not only helps prevent burnout, but also builds trust and boosts productivity. It’s encouraging to see more companies shifting toward a people-first approach rather than the old mindset of overworking and overlooking well-being.
When employees feel understood and supported, they show up more engaged, creative, and committed. Thank you @Summer Campagna for sharing.