Toxic workplaces are hazardous to mental health. A study found that people who work at companies that do not prioritise mental health are three times likelier to suffer from depression. A toxic workplace is one that has poor management, bullying, and a failure to cater for mental health issues. Researchers say unhappy, mistreated or burnt out workers will produce less and be absent from work more.
A researcher said mental health issues at work could be attributed to poor management. She said failing to reward or acknowledge employees for hard work put staff at a greater risk of depression. This is made worse if unreasonable demands are made of workers. Bullying also negatively affects staff and can lead to burnout. Depression affects 260 million people worldwide and causes many people to take their own lives.