Over 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of anxiety disorder. Of those 40 million individuals, many say that their workplace is a contributing factor, and often claim it is the main contributor. Clearly, workplace anxiety has become a major issue in our society. Decreasing workplace anxiety helps improve company workplace safety levels.
The number of workdays lost due to depression is growing exponentially. Overall, this is costing the global economy billions of dollars. The issue is reaching epidemic proportions, and as workplace anxiety grows, so does the inability to focus on the job. As the ability to focus decreases at work, the number of workplace incidents increases and workplace safety is negatively impacted.
Workplace Safety Problems Leads to Additional Company Costs
Workplace anxiety places a heavy burden on companies. As a result, they have compiled information to help both the employees and the companies as the cost related to workplace anxiety continues to grow.
Workplace anxiety results in poor performance by the employees and management, which then affects company performance. Individuals dealing with anxiety are often unable to focus for a variety of reasons, including irritability, fatigue, and an overall lack of motivation. Consequently, they require more time to complete the tasks, lowering not only their own productivity but also the productivity of the company. Additionally, as employees are unable to focus, workplace accidents occur more often. Workplace safety typically suffers when employees are tired and unmotivated.
Other costs associated with workplace anxiety are increased employee absenteeism, increased company health care costs, increased employee turnover and decreased employee and company morale. These consequences are all obviously inter-related. It is a domino effect on workplace anxiety providing the initial push and workplace safety being negatively impacted.
Workplace Safety Improves as Companies Focus on Decreasing Anxiety and Depression Issues
It was not very long ago when individuals would not admit to problems with anxiety and depression. In some cases, it was because of the stigmatism attached to the illness, but it was also true that anxiety and depression were simply not as common. The pressure of today's world to be able to provide for oneself and one's family is far greater than it was. As our world becomes smaller, the pressure becomes greater to always do one's best. Companies need to focus on the issue of workplace anxiety, bringing the topic to the forefront. As employees realize the company wants to support and help, they feel more open to discuss the issues they are facing and how the company can help. As employees feel supported by the company, they feel greater loyalty and employee turnover decreases. As employees learn to handle workplace anxiety, they are better able to focus, gain energy, and are more motivated, ultimately resulting in improved workplace safety.
Brad Hurtig is a motivational speaker with a unique perspective on workplace safety. As a teenager, he lost both hands in a workplace accident. With the help of his football coach, he learned to overcome his loss and become a leader on his high school football team. He has translated that success on the football field to success as a motivational speaker, bringing clarification, and hope, to employees and management alike. So go ahead and contact him to hear his message.