The importance of physical and mental health prevention in companies

Issues concerning physical and mental health are at the forefront of all concerns today, and even more so since the start of the health crisis. Working conditions, well-being, muscle tension, work-life balance: corporate life has changed greatly. To support these changes and adapt to new habits, prevention is essential. But what does it consist of? 

Mental health in the workplace 

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community“. 

Employee fulfilment at work is one of the factors that directly impact people’s mental health. So what is mental health in the workplace? 

Often, the first occupational illness that comes to mind is burnout. This state of complete exhaustion is a mental disorder arising from chronic stress at work. But poor working conditions can also generate a host of other troubles. Stress, anxiety, demotivation, or degradation of the atmosphere within an office: these are all are warning signs that testify to poor well-being in the workplace. 

What is good mental health? 

To enjoy good mental health, it is necessary to find a balance between a state of well-being and the ability to cope with the unexpected in life. This is an issue that affects everyone, regardless of sex, age, or social status. 

The three aspects of mental health 

The European health authorities have attributed three dimensions to mental health: 

• Positive mental health (personal fulfillment, self-sufficiency, well-being); 
• Psychological distress (psychological suffering, state of anxiety, stress); 
• Psychiatric disorders (mental disorders and psychiatric illnesses resulting from a diagnosis). 

Physical health in companies 

The state of physical health at work revolves around two points: 

• An increasingly sedentary lifestyle; 
• Professional physical activity. 

Changing lifestyles and working conditions can result in a decrease in physical activity. However, a sedentary lifestyle impacts the health of employees – particularly those who work in offices. 

On the other hand, professionals who carry out a more ‘dynamic’ activity, in particular those who work in a warehouse, may also be affected by physical health problems in the workplace. Rather than being caused by a sedentary lifestyle, their physical disorders develop through the use of their musculoskeletal system in carrying out their duties, or the repetitive (and sometimes painful) movements inherent to their position. 

Physical health in companies can also be impaired when supplies and tools are not or no longer properly adapted to the people that use them. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and lower-back pain are the most common occupational diseases. Repeated movements, uncomfortable postures, and inadequate working conditions… All trades are affected by this phenomenon. Increasing employees’ physical activity will help reduce the causes of occupational accidents or diseases and unfitness for work. 

Issues related to physical and mental health in the workplace 

Taking care of the mental and physical health of employees has a real impact on a company’s activity. Insomnia, fatigue, burn-out, depression, digestive and hormonal disorders, muscle pain, hypertension… Good working conditions reduce stress-related illnesses. 

In fact, mental and physical health are very closely linked. A mental disorder often comes accompanied by physical illness and vice versa. Finding a balance between the two is essential in order to ensure good quality of life at work. 

The aim, therefore, is to provide companies with all the tools to ensure that their employees are made aware, trained, and fully informed with regard to these important subjects. Health prevention is a truly effective strategy that results in improved team performance and optimised social relations within departments. 

How to ensure good physical and mental health at work? 

Promoting the mental and physical health of employees requires, first and foremost, good working conditions – both in terms of methods and tools. For example, a person who spends their day sitting behind a desk will be exposed to risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Intensive screen work, combined with a lack of physical activity, causes eye fatigue and muscle problems, among other things. 

Fortunately, a few strategies can be adopted, such as designing an ergonomic workstation. As such, providing an adjustable chair for employees, and thereby guaranteeing better posture, helps to prevent inherent disorders as much as possible, especially when accompanied by a suitable desk or an adjustable computer stand, for example. 

In warehouses, equipping workers with tools that make it easier to accomplish their daily tasks is just as essential in maintaining their health. For example, investing in lifting devices or anti-fatigue solutions is a first step towards promoting the professional well-being of employees. 

Regardless of the type of workplace in question, these vital efforts to suitably equip workers to ensure better performance from teams who, relieved of some of the more difficult aspects of their working conditions, will be more efficient in their tasks. 

Prevention of risks related to the physical and mental health of employees 

Faced with the risks of employee burnout, stress, anxiety, or depression, preventive measures need to be implemented within the company. This commitment forms part of HR or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy developed within the organisation. Several steps can therefore be put in place. The aim is to propose coherent actions and evaluate any evolutions observed at each stage. 

More and more companies now offer physical activities. This results in improved mood, self-esteem, and a feeling of efficiency, as well as increased concentration and better stress management, among other benefits. Various studies around the world have demonstrated the positive effects of sport, both on the physical and mental health of employees. 

Are teleworking and professional well-being compatible? 

While the health crisis has certainly launched teleworking to centre stage, this way of working had already begun to develop within large companies. Video conferences, deadlines, family life… In terms of mental health, it requires management and self-sufficiency that sometimes lead to complex situations. The challenge is knowing where to draw the line between work and home life. As such, prevention plays a major role. It can be useful to reflect on the means offered to employees, allowing them to carry out their activity with greater peace of mind. 

In order to reduce the physical and mental risks associated with this type of work, certain good practices must be adopted. This starts with the proposed working environment and the tools and resources made available (IT equipment, software, online collaborative space, etc.). Then, it may be worthwhile encouraging employees to practice physical activity in order to compensate for their static position throughout the working day. 

Implementing preventive measures around the subject of mental and physical health and putting in place concrete actions can contribute to employee fulfillment – essential for the social well-being of all!