MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE

Abstract

Mental health is a major global public health concern that significantly affects productivity, social functioning, and overall well-being. The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state in which individuals realize their abilities, cope with normal stress, work productively, and contribute to society. In the workplace, positive mental health improves job satisfaction, teamwork, and performance while reducing absenteeism. However, shift work, excessive demands, and occupational stress increase the risks of burnout, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, leading to substantial productivity losses worldwide. Mental health and well-being are interconnected across emotional, cognitive, social, and environmental dimensions. The binary continuum model views them as related but distinct, whereas the single continuum model places well-being within a broader mental health spectrum. Physical and mental health also shares a bidirectional relationship influenced by employment and lifestyle. Physiotherapy, structured exercise, and ergonomic workplace design promote mental well-being, reduce stress, and create productive work environments.