Why Mental Health Matters:
Our Mission to Improve Productivity Through Mental Wellness
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In today's fast-paced and demanding world, the significance of mental health in relation to productivity cannot be overstated.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into exploring the connection between mental health and productivity and show our vision of how we can begin prioritizing mental well-being that is inclusive, diverse and accessible to all people, everywhere.
Unaddressed mental health issues significantly impact personal and employee performance and productivity. Since COVID 19, World Health Organization reports a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide. The prevalence of these conditions like anxiety and depression have been found to result in a significant loss of workdays and decreased efficiency, accounting for $1 Trillion in loss of productivity every year. Besides individual implications this has become a substantial global economic burden. Moreover, the concept of presenteeism, where employees are physically present but not fully engaged due to mental health or personal challenges, exacerbates the productivity losses experienced by organizations.
Understanding this interconnected nature of mental health and productivity is crucial for individuals and organizations. Mental well-being directly influences cognitive functions, decision-making abilities, creativity, and overall job performance. When individuals experience mental health challenges, their focus, motivation, and concentration can suffer. This, in turn, leads to decreased productivity levels and suboptimal work outcomes. Moreover, the negative impact of mental health issues extends beyond the individual to affect team dynamics, workplace morale, and organizational culture. Recognizing this complex relationship between mental health and productivity allows for targeted interventions and support systems to be implemented, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.
One of the major challenges for uptake of mental health interventions is stigma . Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial, especially in the workplace, where many individuals face challenges in seeking help due to associated stigma. This stigma creates barriers to open discussions, leads to feelings of shame and judgment, and hinders access to necessary resources and treatment.
Underrepresented populations, like minority communities, may face additional cultural barriers (Personally, for me being from the Caribbean and from diverse background this is even increasingly important for me). As such many companies may realize low uptake in mental health initiatives. It would be important for companies that are focused on creating inclusive workspaces to consider how mental health services and support is communicated within the company in order to increase engagement and care for all.
One of the significant challenges in addressing mental health and productivity is the shortage of mental health providers. There is a considerable gap between the demand for mental health services and the availability of qualified professionals to meet that demand. This scarcity of providers often results in long wait times for individuals seeking support and limited access to quality mental healthcare.
Furthermore, the cost of mental health services remains a barrier for many people, making it inaccessible to those with limited financial resources. The high cost of therapy sessions, medication, and other forms of treatment can prevent individuals from receiving the care they need. Small businesses and start ups may not have the resources to allow these type of benefits for their employees.
Additionally, while there is a growing focus on mental illness through the disease model of mental health there is a need for more emphasis on understanding how productivity and work-related factors impact mental health. It is essential to recognize the reciprocal relationship between mental well-being and productivity, and to invest in initiatives that address both sides of the equation, creating a more comprehensive approach to promoting mental wellness and productivity.
Our team at Recess recognized a crucial gap in the market and set out to create a scalable, accessible, and affordable solution. At Recess, We envision a future of work where all people can feel great and perform at the best version of themselves. We are building technology that re-wires our brain and bodies for long term, sustainable productivity. We are forging forward with our commitment to providing a science-based tool that companies worldwide can implement to address this global issue.
Unlike traditional approaches that primarily focus on mental illness, our emphasis is on promoting positive mental health (performance and productivity). By prioritizing positive mental health we believe that companies can effectively reduce performance challenges like presenteeism and improve overall employee satisfaction. It's a win-win situation where employees can perform better while feeling great and companies can build a culture of workplace performance.
At Recess, our technology is rooted in cutting-edge performance neuroscience. Our results show remarkable improvements of 20-50% after just one session. Our goal has always been to make this technology effective, scalable, and accessible to as many people as possible. However, alongside our technology, we are committed to providing valuable free content and resources to support individuals on their journey towards sustainable productivity.
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With Compassion,
Kelz Bethel , Cofounder & CEO
