Workplace Wellness: Doctor says stigma-free environment key to supporting workersSubscriber Exclusive

Workplace consultant from Vancouver offers companies help, tips to achieve health goals

By Sarah Wolf, Columbian staff writer

Published: June 9, 2023, 6:02am

How does mental health affect one’s job? Sometimes it simply prevents them from doing it, said Dr. Keith Bachman, medical director for Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s Workforce Health team. Maybe there’s a lack of energy. Maybe there’s another problem compounding it, like substance abuse. Maybe it’s a combination. (iStock.com)

Some days being productive at work is just a challenge. But when an employee is also struggling with mental wellness, it can be even harder.

According to a study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 62 percent of missed workdays can be attributed to mental health conditions.

This is not only problematic for an employee who may very well be buckling under a condition like depression or anxiety.