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Mental Health in Tech: a Pressing Issue in the Industry (and a Significant Topic at G&H)

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World Mental Health Day, which takes place every October 10th, is a useful moment in the year to reflect on what kind of workplace practices are encouraged to contribute to a thriving organizational culture and a wholesome company performance. Specifically for the technological sector, laying the foundation for good mental health procedures implicitly supports the innovative and high-demanding undercurrent of the field by encouraging creativity and focus. Sadly, in 2024, statistics on psychological conditions at work paint a more challenging picture than expected. Even with the rise of specialized programs which are available to employees in corporate environments, there is still more that can be done to alleviate workplace-related suffering that manifests through anxiety or burnout.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, in the United Kingdom alone:

  • 15% of UK workers are estimated to have a mental health condition;
  • 875,000 workers have been suffering from work-related stress, depression and anxiety in 2022-2023;
  • The 5th most common reason for sickness absence in 2022 was related to a mental health issue.
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In the United States, the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey provided new insights into just how much of a priority mental health has become for employees:

  • 92% of workers said it is very (57%) or somewhat (35%) important to them to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological wellbeing;
  • 92% said it is very (52%) or somewhat (40%) important to them to work for a company that provides support for employee mental health.
  • 95% said it is very (66%) or somewhat (29%) important to them to feel respected at work.

Mirroring this global theme onto the tech sector, as explained by MAPP Psychology (a Glasgow-based therapy hub), “In recent years, the tech industry has experienced a surge in awareness surrounding mental health issues among its workforce. What was once brushed aside as ‘part of the job’ or ‘just the nature of the industry’ is now being recognized as a serious concern affecting individuals across the sector. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment of tech, characterized by long hours, tight deadlines, and a constant need to innovate, has created a breeding ground for stress, anxiety, and burnout.”

Engineering meetingEngineering meeting©️ G&H

At G&H, we are no strangers to the challenges surrounding mental wellbeing, in particular because of the highly demanding conditions our colleagues need to deal with. As a consequence, such a highly ambitious environment requires a tailored approach when it comes to having healthy habits for the mind set in place. While we cannot “fix” the nature of our work, we can embrace its innate qualities like agility or determination to shape better, more supportive environments. That is how, within the G&H HR department, careful behavioral analysis has led to our team proposing a special “care package” that includes mental wellbeing policies which match both employees’ expectations and the fast-paced workflow. Some of these measures include:

  • All manufacturing sites having mental health first aiders which are trained by nationally recognized and qualified providers to be the first line of intervention;
  • A supportive partnership with Mind, a mental health charity based in the United Kingdom, which provides working models and training for interested internal parties;
  • Quarterly meetings for the mental health first aiders to receive support and to further discuss development opportunities;
  • A clear inclusion of the prioritization for mental health practices in our work documentation;
  • Locally installed “snug hug” rooms, which are dedicated spaces for staff who need to be in a quiet place – these rooms are designed to be relaxing and calming;
  • For factory workers, regular breaks which are implemented in a manner to encourage natural sunlight intake, alongside an available music line on the shop floors, with relaxing (or energetic) tunes of choice being played when appropriate; 
  • Special UV lamps which have been installed around the sites and which are available for workers to use to boost vitamin D assimilation. This forms an essential part of the serotonin production process, a substance known as the “happiness hormone”;
  • Partnering with Health Assured, a workplace health and wellbeing provider, that provides face-to-face and phone counselling, next to having a mobile application available for support and guidance to staff regarding mental health.
  • Partnering with similar organizations such as Simply Health and WPA who provide mental health support and workplace-specific trainings.
Engineers discussing product development at G&H Torquay©️ G&H

Our company would not be where it is today without the dedication of each and every one of our colleagues – who deserve the best working conditions for their stellar efforts. We are still learning, with each feedback we receive, how we can improve not only our performance in the technological sector, but also our daily interactions at work. That way, we can feel an increased level of excitement for our high-class output, lending a sturdy hand to making the world better with photonics.