World Mental Health Day: addressing mental health in the workplace

World Mental Health Day (10 October) aims to raise awareness of mental health issues globally and mobilise support for mental wellbeing.

This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health – It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace – is a call-to-action for people around the world to start talking about mental health and wellbeing at work, for the benefit of colleagues, organisations and communities.

Because such a significant part of our lives is spent at work, addressing the issue of workplace mental health is crucial – not only for our personal wellbeing, but also for businesses looking to increase productivity, and create a more positive culture.

In this blog, we take a closer look at workplace mental health, including factors that affect our mental health at work, and the role that drug and alcohol testing can play in creating a safe, supportive work environment.

What factors can impact mental health in the workplace?

The Healthy Ireland Framework estimates that the economic cost of mental health in Ireland is around €11bn per year, much of which is related to loss of productivity.

Mental health related sickness absence has also increased in the wake of the pandemic.

There are several factors that can impact mental health in the workplace, including:

• Excess workload and demand
• Poor work-life balance, including long working hours and blurred boundaries between work and personal life
• Job insecurity
• Poor workplace culture, including a lack of support and communication
• Conflict with colleagues and management

The link between mental ill-health and substance misuse

Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression can lead individuals to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance misuse.

This is especially true in the workplace, with high pressure environments, excessive workloads, long hours and workplace conflicts all contributing to increased stress.

While many people who misuse alcohol or drugs may do so as a temporary way of dealing with issues like work-related stress, this can quickly turn into a dependency.

According to 2023 data from the Health Research Board (HRB), alcohol remains a significant public health issue, with approximately 14.8% of the population showing evidence of alcohol use disorder.

The HRB also reports that over 4,000 patients were discharged from hospital following non-fatal overdoses in 2022 alone, with drugs such as opioids, cocaine and cannabis playing a role.

Addressing the issue of stress in the workplace means that businesses can mitigate the risks posed by drug and alcohol misuse, such as reduced productivity and an increased risk of workplace injury and accidents.

The role of drug and alcohol testing

Creating an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health and wellbeing, and offering appropriate support, can help individuals who may be at risk of developing a drug or alcohol dependency.

It also ensures that employees struggling with dependency can get the support they need, before the problem becomes more serious, posing a risk to the safety of other employees.

This, coupled with an effective substance misuse policy and routine drug and alcohol testing, plays a significant role in creating a safer, more secure working environment for everyone.

Studies have shown that a proactive approach to addressing substance misuse reduces absenteeism, improves productivity, and reduces workplace accidents.

Effective awareness training can also help ensure management and staff are equipped to recognise the signs of a person who may be drinking alcohol or taking drugs at work, such as reduced productivity, increased conflict with colleagues, unexplained absences and poor decision making.

In all instances, employers should approach the situation with sensitivity and support, offering resources such as access to Employees Assistance Programs (EAPs) or counselling services wherever possible.

Drug and alcohol testing you can trust

Addressing workplace stress and its impact on mental health, fostering a more open, supportive environment, and implementing a robust substance misuse policy can go a long way to helping businesses achieve success, boost productivity, retain top talent, and create a more positive workplace for everyone.

We work with businesses across Ireland, in a variety of sectors, providing a broad range of drug and alcohol testing services: from random and for cause (post-incident/accident), to pre-employment and return-to-work testing.

Our accredited laboratory can analyse a variety of samples for the presence of drugs, alcohol, and their metabolites, including oral fluid (saliva), urine, hair, and nail clippings. We also offer breath alcohol testing, for instant results.

Plus, with our network of professional sample collectors and walk-in centres in Belfast and Dublin, you can trust us to collect your samples quickly and efficiently.

We also offer drug and alcohol awareness training, drug and alcohol testing policy creation and review services, and sample collection training – should you prefer to collect your own samples for testing on site.

To find out more, call our Workplace team today on 01 402 9466 or email workplace@alphabiolabs.com to discuss a bespoke solution for your business.