It's perfectly common for employees to suffer from high levels of stress at work. Large workloads, staff conflict, the pressure to succeed and lack of job security can all contribute to it.
Some employers are resigned to accepting that stress will always be part of their workplace and is a problem that doesn't need to be dealt with. However, proactive managers are taking steps to try and control this problem by recruiting accredited counsellors in their workplace.
Here are five reasons why recruiting a counsellor could help your business and generate a positive return on investment.
#1 Happy workers are hard workers
It can be advantageous for employers to reduce workplace stress for a number of reasons. Happy employees are typically more inclined to put maximum effort into their job. They are more pleasant for customers and colleagues to deal with, meaning that the overall image of your business is likely to improve.
Happy employees are often less inclined to look for another job and more likely to contribute to healthy, fun working atmosphere. All of this can ultimately produce positive effects on a company's bottom line.
#2 Less sick time
Research conducted in 2012 indicated that employees suffering from stress-related health conditions miss more than 30 days off sick a year on average. When untreated, stress can escalate into serious mental health problems like depression, which can leave employees unfit for work for weeks or even months. The National Counselling Society summarises a report from the DWP, stating that one in three absences from work are due to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.
Therefore, it often makes financial sense for large companies to tackle this problem before it develops. A workplace counsellor can help stop minor stress problems from developing, eliminating the amount of working days lost to mental health problems.
#3 Eliminates stigma
There are plenty of workplaces where mental health problems aren't recognised as 'real illnesses'. A lot of employees have gone public with their tales of how their boss tried to hurry them back to work as soon as possible without lifting a finger to try and treat the problem.
The recruitment of a workplace counsellor sends a message that your company takes mental health seriously and is willing to help tackle any stress-related illnesses in the right way. This can help eliminate any stigma towards these sort of illnesses amongst staff from the top down.
#4 It shows you care
Everyone wants to find an employer that genuinely cares about staff wellbeing. When your boss genuinely cares about you, it is much easier to maintain a passion for the company you work for too.
Money spent on counselling services is arguably a bigger and more important statement than a dart board for the staff room or an open bar at the Christmas party. Investing in your employees' mental health really shows you care about them.
#5 They might not get counselling otherwise…
It can be tough for people to admit that they need help recovering from stress, especially if they sense that there is a stigma surrounding these sorts of problems around them. Rather than seek professional help, many people suffer in silence until their problem gets worse. Even then, some people may still not seek any sort of counselling services.
Hiring a workplace counsellor makes it easier for your employees to get help which could be the extra push they need to do just that.
