The working environment has a huge impact on your employees’ well-being and productivity. Depending on the type of work, stress from co-workers, office noise, and other factors may lead to distress and reduce employee efficiency. If you think that your employees are experiencing difficulties in their working environment at the office, it is time to check for workplace impairment. Working environment impairment can cause stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. Here is why workplace impairment detection in your employees is important.

Employees with Impairment are Less Productive

If one of your employees is experiencing a mental illness, they are almost certainly not performing at their best. Impaired employees are more likely to take more sick days and be less productive. If your employee with impairment is let go, not only will you be losing their productivity, but also you may be liable for any wrongful termination claims. Your employees may also be less likely to engage in creative thinking, generate new ideas, or communicate effectively with others. All of these factors can negatively impact your company’s bottom line.

Excessive Workload May Lead to Workplace Impairment

An excessive workload can lead to workplace impairment, especially if it is paired with a lack of support. For example, a new employee may be assigned more work than they can realistically complete in their first few weeks. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression, and can be disguised as a mental illness. Similarly, if an employee is given a workload that is too heavy for their skillset, they may feel as though they’re not living up to expectations. This can also lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. If an employee does not feel as though they are being supported by their employer, they may feel overwhelmed. If the employer does not recognize their feelings of stress, the employee may feel as though their situation is hopeless. This may cause them to withdraw from the workplace and isolate themselves from co-workers.

Working Environment Impairment is Often Concealed

If your employee is experiencing workplace impairment, they may not be fully open about it. It is important to note that an employee does not have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to experience workplace impairment. In fact, many are able to conceal their issues and remain productive. Workplace impairment may be more common than you think. One study found that as many as one in five employees may have a mental illness at any given time. Employers may not be aware of this because they are working to conceal their issues. It is important to note that an employee does not have to be experiencing a mental illness to be struggling in the workplace. They may feel stressed or overwhelmed, but not be fully open about these feelings.

It may be difficult to tell your employer that you need help, but it is better to get the help that you need than to try and deal with your problems alone. If you are an employer, you need to be aware that employees may be struggling but not tell you about it. You need to be a good employer and make sure that your employees feel supported and be able to ask for help if they need it.