Despite constant talk about well-being and mental health in today's society, many realities are masked within certain organizations. Numerous employees experience anxiety on Sunday afternoons anticipating the upcoming Monday, with some spending nights unable to sleep.
The capitalist society drives us towards continuous production, often far beyond 'healthy' limits, and we have come to accept this as normal. However, it is not normal to be chained to work, to put in extra hours, to fear speaking with one's superior, to have one's mind occupied with work even when off duty, to endure immense pressure, to perform tasks beyond one's job description without compensation, to dread Mondays, or to think that all of this is normal.
Work environments should be safe, safeguarding employees' physical and psychological health. Many organizations claim to promote respect, empathy, diversity, inclusion, and well-being, but in practice, these often turn out to be mere discourse, with deep flaws found upon closer inspection.
Managing last-minute situations, unexpected issues, and multiple tasks falling on one person can be exhausting. Being resilient is the ability to overcome obstacles, but it is not the same as seeing oneself being exploited.
In some cases, complaints arise about numerous sick leaves due to anxiety or depression. If working conditions were truly decent, such situations would not occur, or at least not with such frequency. However, it is often easier to blame the employee for everything.
Safe work environments are a right, and to guarantee them, it is essential to prioritize mental health and focus on prevention.
