Mental health in the workplace: more focus and new approaches

1. Why mental health in the workplace is so important
2. How startups can improve mental health
3. What companies can do to promote mental health
4. The influence of ISPO on corporate health
5. The path to sustainable mental health

Mental illness has become one of the most common reasons for sickness-related absences. A study showsthat around a third of German employees suffer from mental health problems every year.

This increase in absenteeism and burnout cases not only puts a strain on employees, but also on companies themselves - through falling productivity and rising costs.

The ISPO study shows that the majority of respondents want to take their health more and more into their own hands as they have less trust in the state healthcare system. Sport and exercise are seen as essential means of improving mental health. However, in addition to physical fitness, the importance of mental health is also coming more into focus.

A prime example of innovative approaches to promoting mental health in the workplace is the startup LikeMinded. LikeMinded offers customized solutions that include individual therapies as well as preventative measures and group sessions. The platform is based on scientifically sound methods and combines psychological care with digital tools to make access to mental support as simple and effective as possible.

LikeMinded's innovative approach also includes the use of AI for early detection of stress symptoms and burnout. These data-driven solutions help companies to continuously monitor the mental health of their employees and offer customized support when needed. This is not only an example of the successful integration of digital solutions into corporate health, but also a best-practice model that shows how prevention and personal support can be combined.

According to the ISPO white paper, 86% of respondents believe that not enough is being done in their countries to improve workers' health. Almost 28% of survey respondents have already quit their jobs due to mental health concerns, and many of these resignations could have been avoided with a better health program. This shows how urgent it is for companies to establish proactive mental health programs.

A holistic mental health strategy should include the following:

1. Personalized counseling: services such as individual coaching or psychological counseling are essential to address the specific needs of employees.
2. Mental health days: Periods where employees can focus on their mental recovery are an important part of an effective program.
3. Prevention and early intervention: Companies should use digital tools to recognize early signs of burnout or stress and take timely action.

ISPO takes the issue of mental health seriously and sees it as part of a comprehensive approach to workplace health promotion. In the study "The Future of Sport, Health & Retail", it became clear that health does not just mean the absence of illness, but a holistic balance of physical and mental fitness. The close integration of sport and health offers companies an opportunity to develop innovative and preventative health programs.

Through initiatives such as the Corporate Health Hub at ISPO Munich 2024 ISPO helps companies to implement health-promoting solutions that improve both the physical and mental health of their employees. The sports and health sectors are increasingly merging, and ISPO shows how this change is creating the potential for new growth areas and synergies.

Mental health in the workplace is not just a trend, but a necessary prerequisite for a healthy and productive workforce. Startups like LikeMinded show that digital and preventative approaches to promoting mental health are not only feasible, but also effective. Companies that integrate such innovative solutions into their strategies will be more successful in the long term - both in terms of the well-being of their employees and their competitiveness.