By Flowerbudnews
The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has stressed the negative impact of a toxic work environment in some workplaces leading to high mental health risk among employees.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, told newsmen in Enugu on Monday that a toxic working environment could have a profound impact on mental health of employees and junior workers.
Nwachukwu said that such a negative environment could be due to poor management, lack of support or an excessively high-pressure atmosphere.
According to him, a toxic workplace can lead to a range of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety and depression among others.
“Employees who feel unsupported or undervalued are more likely to experience burnout, leading to reduced productivity.
“Colleagues can also contribute to a difficult work environment through envy, creating tension and hostility that make it hard for others to perform their duties effectively.
“Frequent sanctions, shouting at workers or using intimidation tactics on junior workers can ignite fear, which is detrimental to a healthy work environment.
“Fearful employees may hesitate to speak up, even when they have vital information that can help the company grow,” he said.
Nwachukwu, who is a psychologist, noted that employees withholding information due to fear of how the boss/superior might react could stifle innovation, create communication barriers and prevent the organisation from reaching its full potential.
The mental health therapy expert, however, encouraged employers and senior employees in workplaces to create a balanced mental health environment in their workplaces.
He noted that “in the hustle and bustle of today’s work environment, maintaining a balance between productivity and mental well-being is crucial.”
Nwachukwu said, “Employers and employees both play pivotal roles in fostering a healthy workplace where everyone can thrive.
“By working together, they can create an atmosphere that supports mental health, leading to a more positive, productive and harmonious workplace.”
