How Does Working in the Tech Industry Affect Your Mental Health?
The nature of work in the tech industry is fast-paced and high pressure. There is constant need to set trends, meet tight deadlines, and keep ahead of both technological advances and fierce competition. According to a survey conducted by Open Sourcing Mental Illness (OSMI) in 2021, 90% of workers in the IT/tech industry have dealt with a mental health condition. The same survey found that 64% of respondents said their productivity has been negatively impacted by a mental health issue.
What Contributes to Poor Mental Health in Tech Employees?
Working in the tech industry involves long hours for many. They therefore experience burnout, chronic stress, and a lack of work-life balance.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many jobs, including those in the tech industry, are done remotely. This removes the rapport between colleagues that develops through in-person interaction. This lack of community results in a lonely work environment. Tech employees have also stated that during and since the pandemic, their job has been more complex and demanding.
Tech workers also encounter mismanaged workloads and unclear task direction. Employees are expected to be available at all hours, work nights when needed, and meet strict deadlines.
They also feel unsupported or anxious when there are changes made to their projects and when they make a mistake. Tech workers experience high levels of cynicism. This is because all the stresses and pressure combine to create lack of purpose in employees. They stop seeing the value in what they do as their work engages them less and less.
There is also pressure to keep their technological skill set updated and in tune with market expectations. The need to stay competitive and relevant is an ongoing source of tension. In the tech industry you have to stay on top of your skill set, and many employees in this field may not have the time or finances required to do this. Because of the catch-up nature of the industry, a large number of tech workers feel inefficient or inadequate at their job.
The various stresses of working in this industry cause lack of sleep and physical health problems as well. The result is a workforce that is exhausted, struggling to keep up, demotivated, and isolated. Often workers that experience burnout or are at risk for it shut down their emotions in order to cope and deliver.
What can Companies Do for Employees?
Corporations in this industry should work to deconstruct the workplace stigma around mental health. Employees that work in tech have largely expressed that they do not feel comfortable discussing their mental health condition with their manager. They also feel that their workplace does not offer enough support when employees are struggling with or need to take care of their mental health. Companies can ask employees what they need. This will enable them to pinpoint what is missing for them in terms of mental health support. Surveys can be conducted on an anonymous basis.
Accessible mental health initiatives should be implemented for both onsite and remote employees. Access to mental health professionals via their company can benefit everyone. This will help to destigmatize mental health concerns from the top down. This culture of acceptance will create a work space in which employees feel safe, trusting, and have no fear of judgment. It will also create awareness. For example, an employee who is getting anxiety therapy will feel like there is a safe space offered by the company for them to get support.
Training programs or workshops conducted by mental health professionals will be useful for both employees on all levels. Managers will be able to recognize the signs of burnout or struggle in a team member. People will be more informed about what they themselves are going through. Employees will feel supported. They may be more willing to reach out for help. For employees that work remotely, online therapy sessions, or telehealth, is an option.
Investing in employees’ mental health benefits both the company and the people that work for it. Focusing on staff wellbeing will lead to less employee turnover, missed work days and increased productivity. Mental health counseling that is openly encouraged by the company will help employees develop healthy work and personal habits. It will give them tools to establish appropriate boundaries around their work and life. Therapeutic support will help people manage their work-related stress and prevent burnout. This will also communicate to employees that their company is interested in their mental wellness.
FAQs
What is telehealth and how can it work for me?
Telehealth is when your sessions with your therapist are conducted online, through an app like Zoom. The many benefits of telehealth make it an option that can work well for people.
With telehealth, there is no travel time. You are not driving to your therapist’s clinic or taking public transportation to get there. Since there is no travel, there is no time spent or stress caused by fighting traffic. You are not affected by the weather or traffic conditions. Additionally, since you are not driving to your therapy session, there is no hassle of finding and paying for parking.
If you are a parent, telehealth removes the need for you to find someone to babysit your children while you are at your session.
Online therapy is a good option for those who feel uncomfortable or anxious about meeting and talking with their therapist face to face. You will still get the benefit of therapy, but from a space that you feel most comfortable in.
As a member of the BIPOC community, how can I find a therapist that will understand me?
Finding mental health support as a BIPOC individual can be difficult. In many BIPOC communities there is stigma around mental health issues and going for therapy. What you need is a therapist that understands and is sensitive to your cultural background. This is important because this knowledge will shape your treatment plan. BIPOC Therapists at Trust Mental Health come from a diverse range of backgrounds. Between the team, we speak more than 10 languages. We understand how your race, culture, and experiences shape your outlook on life and your struggles. We will develop a culturally sensitive treatment plan specifically for your unique needs. Trust Mental Health is an advocate for inclusivity, representation, and intersectional wellness.