Productivity is often measured as how much time one has put into a task or a goal. However, productivity actually means how efficiently one is able to meet personal or professional goals. In a workplace, an employee who is productive, motivated and more engaged is generally seen as one who maintains good mental health. On the other hand, an individual’s ability to concentrate, be productive, and perform in an effective manner would be hindered by mental health challenges such as anxiety, stress or depression. Let us explore the relationship between productivity and mental health.
How does Productivity affect Mental Health?
Productivity can affect your mental health significantly. Some ways in how productivity improves mental health are:
- Foster a sense of accomplishment and improve self-worth
- An improved mood and reduced stress
- A stability and consistency in daily routine
- Achieving goals boost dopamine levels
- Improved time management skills
On the other hand, toxic productivity can often be seen as prioritizing work over personal relationships and self-care, burnout, and chronic stress. Toxic productivity impacts mental health in the following ways:
- Exhaustion, burnout or feelings of inadequacy
- Worsen existing mental health conditions
- A workaholic lifestyle
- A diminished self-esteem
- Constant worrying and anxiety
Setting realistic goals, boundaries, prioritizing self-care are some ways to overcome toxic productivity. However, if productivity anxiety becomes unbearable or toxic productivity causes severe psychological distress, seek professional help to receive appropriate care and support.
Productivity Loss Due to Mental Health
Mental health conditions have been one of the leading causes of death worldwide, which also significantly contributes to the economic burden.
For instance, in the United States alone, depression can lead to 35% reduction in productivity, and it accounts for $210.5 billion annually in lost productivity and associated costs.
Overall, the economic cost of missed workdays due to poor mental health is estimated at $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity across the US workforce.
Poor mental health is also strongly associated with absenteeism (missing work) as well as presenteeism (working while unwell or not fully functioning).
Individuals with untreated mental health issues often struggle with focus, motivation, decision making and problem solving, which directly impacts productivity.
The Role of Sleep in Productivity and Mental Health
A restful quality sleep has many benefits for your men
tal health; it can rejuvenate the mind, improving emotional regulation and efficiency at work. A regular pattern of adequate sleep can enhance creativity, problem-solving and overall cognitive performance.
On the other hand, having sleep issues, insomnia, sleep deprivation or inadequate sleep can impair cognitive functionality, memory concentration, a reduced productivity and increased risk of developing mental health issues.
The Impact of Remote Work on Productivity and Mental Health
Remote work had taken over the world with the COVID-19 pandemic which has reshaped the relationship between productivity and mental health. The aspect of flexibility and no commuting time improves work-life balance. Some challenges of remote work include a blurred boundary between work and personal life leading to overworking, isolation and lack of social interaction.
Productivity levels in a remote setting have mixed results. Some studies indicate that remote workers were 5 to 24% more productive than in-office workers. However, some studies report that productivity decreased 10 to 20% with remote work due to factors such as communication challenges and decreased creativity from multitasking.
Hence, the productivity levels with remote work would depend upon a set schedule and clear work timeline and personal timeline amongst other factors.
Productivity in Mental Health Care
Often in the field of mental health care, a common challenge observed is overworked mental health professionals who experience burnout with no time to rest and rejuvenate due to an unbalanced ratio of high number of individuals in need of mental health treatment and low number of mental health professionals. The productivity levels of mental health services directly affect patient outcomes and care.
Implementing a more streamlined work timeline for therapists with regular breaks and use of technology can improve productivity levels without lowering the quality of treatment.
Balancing Productivity and Mental Health
- It is essential to recognize your limits and boundaries so you don’t overwork yourself and can sustain productivity levels
- Employers should offer mental health support services and flexible working options as needed
- Focusing on the quality of work and meaningful accomplishments over the quantity of work is crucial to remaining productive.
In conclusion, the relationship between productivity and mental health is a delicate balance. While healthy productivity can boost self-worth, confidence and improve mental health; overworking and toxic productivity can lead to detrimental effects on mental health like chronic stress, burnout, isolation and so on. If mental health is prioritized and boundaries are respected, organizations can foster a productive environment, and individuals can become a more efficient version of themselves.
If you feel like our mental health is impacting your productivity or vice versa, it is time to consider help! Reach out to NABHS and we will help you get the right fit!
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