We met up with Counselor and Psychotherapist, Monretta Vega to talk about why this is happening. She says, “We’re just being a little bit more open and we’re understanding that I don’t necessarily have to do this particular job.”
The topic of mental health still remains taboo in the workplace. Studies show, people are taking matters into their own hands.
Vega says, “Finding satisfaction in work is so important. The stressors and the anxiety and low work satisfaction can definitely have a negative impact over our lives entirely.”
According to the Business Group on Health, over 60 percent of workers report they’ve never discussed their mental health at work– despite the fact that about 275 million workdays are missed every year in the United States because of productivity decline related to mental health issues.
Vega tells us that she knows some might say people leaving their job for mental health issues are “sensitive”– but, that it can really affect a person’s overall well being. She adds, “I understand the stigma associated with mental health, or saying that you have anxiety or even feeling like you’re a low performer… And a lot of times we don’t feel comfortable to go to HR, or our supervisor or upper management for the negative looks.”
In a study published by the Harvard Business Review, Mind Share reports half of Millennials and 75% of Gen Zers say they’ve left a job for mental health reasons.
Vega says, “This particular generation is becoming more aware of mental health, and they’re being more open in an attempt to break all stigmas in regards to mental health.”
Counselor, Monretta Vega, says this news isn’t entirely surprising to her. And millennials may be walking away from their 9 to 5’s, but they’re also creating new lanes of job opportunities.
“Millennials and generations after them have decided to open up more businesses, become entrepreneurs. They’ve figured out a way to still make the world a better place, without working the typical ‘nine to five’ that generations before have. And they’re becoming their own bosses.”
But of course, you have to use good judgement– because walking out can potentially lead to more issues. “It’s important to not say ‘Oh, I have some stress on Monday’ but then at the end of the month and can’t pay my bills, which would lead to more stress,” adds Monretta Vega.
Employers should be concerned, not only for the wellbeing of their employees, but also because this The World Health Organization says, this issue is affecting their bottom line. The estimated cost to the global economy is US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity because of workers who are dealing with mental health issues.
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