Corporate work life and mental health
By Shubhika Nyati and Tanuj Zachariah
1- What does a corporate job look like?
2- The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health
3- How workplace culture influences stress levels, burnout, and job satisfaction.
4- Strategies for employees to cope with work-related stress.
5- Work-Life and Wellbeing : Finding Harmony
6- The importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all employees
1- What does a corporate job look like?
Here are a few things to know about corporate jobs:
Corporate jobs can be competitive Corporate jobs can be competitive, with multiple candidates applying for a single position. You can prepare for a corporate job by reviewing the requirements of the position and highlighting on relevant skills and achievements on your resume. During an interview for a corporate position, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your interpersonal and communication skills, both important aspects of working in a corporate position.
Corporate jobs often measure the performance of team members Many corporations have annual performance reviews to track employee performance. They may use a variety of methods to measure your performance, but larger reviews are often an important part of determining whether you deserve a raise or require additional training. A few methods of measuring performance may include rating scales or 360-degree feedback.
Corporate companies often include a multi-tier management structure Many corporations are set up in a multi-tier management structure. This means that information flows from the top executive employees to the senior-level team members. Then, it flows to the mid-level team before reaching the entry-level positions. You may not receive all information immediately, but you should receive all information from your immediate manager within protocol guidelines.
Corporate jobs often come with good benefits Corporate jobs may come with greater job security when the company has a long history and a good reputation. These positions also may offer you a competitive salary, plus benefits like retirement contributions and career development opportunities. Because corporations are often larger companies, they can also offer you more room for career progression.
Corporate jobs can offer many learning opportunities Corporate positions allow you to work with different levels of team members, providing opportunities to learn from each of them. These positions can also require a variety of meetings, trainings, seminars or conferences, each being an occasion to build your professional network. Larger, corporate companies are also more likely to have the resources necessary for planning and implementing training programs that can advance your skills and field knowledge.
All positions are important in a corporate setup While some employees may aim for a higher C-level position, all positions within the corporation are important. No matter where your position is located in the hierarchy, it contributes to the overall goals of the company. Many teams are also made up of team members from different departments with different levels of experience to ensure the team has access to all the resources and experience they need.
Teamwork is important in a corporate environment Teamwork is important when working in a corporation. You may work on a large team with team members from all different backgrounds. Higher, senior-level positions typically spend a lot of time strategizing and planning, whereas entry-level positions may spend more time completing projects or tasks for the company.
Corporate jobs always look for certain soft skills Certain skills, like communication, project management, problem-solving and analytical skills, are always desirable in corporate positions. Highlighting these skills may help you get a corporate job. Developing these skills while working in an entry-level corporate job can also help you become a more competitive candidate as you advance your career.
A corporate interview process may be lengthy Because multiple team members may help determine who's hired for a position, it may lead to longer interview processes. This means that you may have to interview with multiple team members before learning if they offer you a position. It may also include nontraditional types of interviews, like group interviews that allow you to meet multiple team members at once.
It's important to do your research about a corporate company It's important to understand not only the specifications of the job for which you're applying but also the company. Hiring managers may ask questions that relate to your understanding of what the company does, its values and its goals. Demonstrating this information can help you highlight your research skills and interest in the position.
A corporate job can be a good entry-level position An entry-level position in a corporation can provide you with good resume content and help you build industry-relevant skills. Other employers are more likely to know about larger corporations, further demonstrating your experience. Some corporations also have training programs for entry-level employees, which can advance skills that benefit your career.
Corporate jobs are often in large cities While some corporations may offer remote work capabilities, many companies locate their offices or branch locations in major cities with a larger manufacturing, distribution or consumer base. Big cities also provide a larger group of skilled employees and an easier means of transportation, if your business requires employee travel or shipping of goods. Some companies may offer assistance with housing, transportation or relocation to better accommodate employees who don't live nearby.
2- The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health
An organization's culture plays a crucial role in influencing the mental health and well-being of its employees. This culture encompasses the collective values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices that guide how individuals act within a specific organization. When an organization fosters a positive culture that prioritizes mental health, it can lead to a healthier and more productive work environment. Conversely, a negative organizational culture can lead to increased stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges.
3- How workplace culture influences stress levels, burnout, and job satisfaction.
The relationship between organizational culture and employee burnout is intricate and involves many factors. Organizational culture encompasses the collective values, beliefs, norms, and practices that influence how people within an organization behave and interact. Employee burnout, however, refers to a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by extended and ongoing workplace stress.
Studies indicate that organizational culture plays a significant role in influencing employee burnout. A toxic culture can heighten stress levels, dampen morale, and decrease motivation among employees. Conversely, a positive and supportive culture can mitigate burnout by equipping employees with the resources and support needed to handle their workload.
4- Strategies for employees to cope with work-related stress
Provide Mental Health Resources: Organizations can provide mental health resources, such as employee assistance programs, counseling services, and peer support groups, to help employees manage their mental health and well-being.
Encourage Work-Life Balance: Organizations can encourage work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible schedules. This can help employees manage their personal responsibilities and reduce stress.
Foster a Supportive Environment: Organizations can foster a supportive environment by promoting open communication, empathy, and understanding. Employees should feel comfortable asking for help and support when needed, without fear of stigmatization or penalty.
Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion: Organizations can prioritize diversity and inclusion by promoting a culture of respect and acceptance. This can help create a sense of belonging and connectedness among employees, which can promote mental health and well-being.
Lead by Example: Leaders can lead by example by prioritizing their own mental health and well-being, modeling healthy behaviors, and promoting a positive organizational culture
5- Work-Life and Wellbeing : Finding Harmony
Personal time, often dedicated to engaging with loved ones and enjoying personal interests, involves setting work aside at the end of the day. However, balancing these pursuits can sometimes feel challenging. As we allocate more time to one area of life, it seems the others invariably suffer. Despite this perception, it's entirely feasible to find a harmonious balance that aligns with your unique situation and supports both your career objectives and personal relationships.
Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between the time you dedicate to work and the time you spend with friends, family, and on personal activities. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can lead to improved overall well-being, including better physical, emotional, and mental health.
Research indicates that excessive work hours can contribute to serious health problems such as sleep disorders, depression, excessive drinking, diabetes, memory impairment, and heart disease. Additionally, these health concerns can negatively impact work-life balance, creating a cycle that further exacerbates the problem.
While employers and employees may think that longer working hours increase productivity, many studies suggest otherwise. For example, a report from Stanford University and IZA found that productivity decreases after employees work a certain number of hours, with a higher risk of errors and injuries.
Thus, a balanced work-life approach can lower stress, enhance emotional well-being, and ultimately increase productivity, benefiting both employees and employers
6- The importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all employees
A work environment should be pleasant and comfortable for everyone, but creating such a setting can be tricky. There are countless pitfalls that will lead to toxic workplaces and atmospheres where employees, for one reason or another, will feel stifled, constrained, and vulnerable.
Some tips on how to have a safe and welcoming environment -
Keep all discussions open and transparent
Comprehensive training and onboarding
Understand one another’s ways of working
Celebrate team wins
Spend time together not working
Reflect on the week together
Trust your team
Set boundaries and expectations together
Use anonymity where appropriate
