Manifesto for a healthier mind in the workplace
Mental health diagnoses are increasing and they are also the most common reason for long-term sick leave and permanent disability. Already, half of all health-related benefits paid by Kela are based on mental health issues. We are facing a mental health epidemic that is taking a toll on the entire Finnish workforce, the competitiveness of our companies, and growth that produces well-being. We need societal change and actions to overcome the mental health epidemic.
We have every opportunity to halt the development that causes people in their prime working age to become exhausted and withdraw from the workforce. The increase in the number of diagnoses reflects the courage to address the issue at an early stage, when all the conditions for making a permanent change are in place: the problem has been identified and there is a desire for change.
This is an invitation to build a meaningful working life with us.
At Terveystalo, our core mission is to work towards ensuring that each of us can feel well and cope in our work. However, alone we can only influence part of the journey; solving this complex problem must be done together. A work environment that supports mental health is an opportunity that enhances the well-being of both individuals and communities. By focusing on evidence-based actions, we can ensure that the mental health challenges of the present become a thing of the past and do not pass down through generations.
Sometimes, discussions about working life focus on problems, even though the work community and work itself are forces that maintain health. A good working life overall has a health-promoting effect. When a person's work ability is reduced, temporary changes can be made to the work, allowing the individual to perform different tasks at the workplace. Instead of sick leave, appropriately modified (alternative work) supports rehabilitation and benefits both the employer and the employee.
The mind does not distinguish what burdens it. Employees' mental well-being is a whole, and whether we like it or not, all areas of life affect it simultaneously. Without support and treatment, mental strain can manifest as reduced work ability and productivity, sick leave, or even disability. A mentally strong organization, in turn, supports the company's success.
Building a mentally healthy working life requires everyone's participation. Regardless of the root cause, solutions can be found through collaboration between employees, employers, and occupational health care. Everyone's involvement is important; no one can outsource their responsibility to someone else.
A significant challenge related to mental health is that some employees do not receive appropriate treatment early enough, complicating the situation significantly. Many emerging issues and risks threatening work ability can be identified through weak signals at an early stage, allowing for individualized and targeted support.
Managers play a crucial role in providing early support and should have the ability to address even challenging issues with a low threshold. Early support is a sign of caring, and thus discussing these issues should not be feared. Bringing up concerns is part of a functioning workplace culture and safety net.
A significant challenge related to mental health is that some employees do not receive appropriate treatment early enough, complicating the situation significantly. Many emerging issues and risks threatening work ability can be identified through weak signals at an early stage, allowing for individualized and targeted support.
Managers play a crucial role in providing early support and should have the ability to address even challenging issues with a low threshold. Early support is a sign of caring, and thus discussing these issues should not be feared. Bringing up concerns is part of a functioning workplace culture and safety net.
It is important to recognize that when there is already a threat of disability, preventive measures often are not sufficient to reduce sick leave and resolve work ability issues. In such cases, in addition to the support from the manager and the organization, effective therapeutic interventions are needed, such as short-term psychotherapy in moderate cases.
While the number of mental health diagnoses has increased year after year, effective and timely treatment has prevented mental health-related absences from rising proportionately among occupational health clients, and overall growth seems to have stalled. This has been influenced by timely and prompt access to care.
Join us in building a meaningful working life
Read moreBecome our corporate customer
As a partner in occupational health, we help comprehensively in building a healthy, safe, and thriving workplace. We offer proactive work ability management and impactful occupational health services. Your employees will receive reliable and high-quality service, rapid access to care, and seamless care pathways. Explore our diverse services and get in touch.
Explore occupational health services