Stress and anxiety are part of daily life for everyone, which is why learning how to support mental health at work has become more important than ever.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture on workplace mental health by Dr. Simon Senner, a psychiatrist with deep expertise in stress-related disorders.
Understanding the Global Challenge
One striking point was that 75% of people worldwide struggling with mental health issues do not seek help or consult professionals. In Japan, workplace mental health is also a serious concern. According to a 2023 survey, 82.7% of workers reported experiencing strong anxiety or stress.
Causes range from:
⚫︎ Lack of communication within teams
⚫︎ Excessive workloads
⚫︎ Isolation caused by remote work
Small Changes Matter: How to Support Mental Health at Work
As a recruiter, I often hear stress and overwork cited as reasons for changing jobs. For example, when someone seems quieter than usual or slower in their tasks, it may not be laziness but a signal of inner struggle. Recognising these subtle changes is one way of practising how to support mental health at work.
What Organisations Can Do
Workplaces can adopt structures and practices such as:
⚫︎ Monthly 1-on-1s or casual check-ins
⚫︎ Thoughtful support for returning employees
⚫︎ Clear awareness of available professionals and occupational doctors
Dr. Senner emphasised that creating an “open to talk” environment is essential. This isn’t only the responsibility of managers, everyone can play a role in noticing small changes and reaching out to colleagues.
From Small Conversations to Lasting Impact
At Cogs, our fully remote team relies on intentional communication. Weekly meetings start with casual check-ins like sharing weekend stories, which often become a chance to notice how people are feeling. These small rituals create a culture of openness and trust.
Conclusion: Why Supporting Mental Health at Work Matters
As busy seasons approach, even short conversations like while waiting for the elevator or grabbing coffee, can make a difference. Taking care of yourself is equally vital. Small habits, like disconnecting from work on weekends or finding personal stress-relief routines, protect your energy and positively influence your team.
Looking ahead, companies may need to extend support not only to employees but also to their families, building more open and flexible systems. Embracing how to support mental health at work ensures both people and organisations can thrive together.
I hope this article inspires you and your team to think about ways to secure mental health at your workplace. Thank you for reading.
– Nodoka.
Cogs is an executive search and recruitment agency specialising in connecting creative-minded individuals with global career opportunities.
For further reading and resources, check out our blog: Cogs Agency.
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