Emotional Intelligence at Work: Improving Mental Health and Productivity
By Ush Dhanak
With many of us spending a significant portion of our lives at work, the workplace environment can greatly influence our mental health and wellbeing. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), poor workplace conditions—including high demands, low control, and lack of support—are major contributors to mental health challenges. WHO estimates that mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, lead to a loss of 12 billion working days annually, costing the global economy nearly USD 1 trillion in productivity losses.
A workplace characterised by low collective emotional intelligence (EQ) can often create a toxic environment. In contrast, a workplace with high EQ fosters a positive, productive, and supportive culture that can improve mental health and enhance overall performance.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions—both in ourselves and in others. In a workplace setting, EQ encompasses several essential skills:
• Self-Awareness: Recognising your own emotions and how they impact your thoughts and behaviours.
• Self-Regulation: Managing your emotions in healthy ways, including handling stress, adapting to change, and taking responsibility for actions.
• Motivation: Being driven by inner ambition and goals rather than external rewards or recognition.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which is essential for effective communication and teamwork.
• Social Skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships, resolving conflicts constructively, and working well in a team.
A high-EQ workplace not only helps employees manage their own emotions but also fosters a supportive environment where individuals feel understood, valued, and connected. Research suggests that high emotional intelligence in the workplace improves employee satisfaction, reduces stress, and promotes overall wellbeing.
Identifying Signs of Low EQ in the Workplace
Signs of low EQ within a workplace may include:
• Reduced Motivation: Employees feel disengaged, unmotivated, or emotionally drained.
• Productivity Decline: Missed deadlines, decreased quality of work, and a lack of innovation.
• Concentration Issues: Employees may struggle with focus, require repeated instructions, and seem mentally fatigued.
• Low Engagement: A general sense of burnout and lack of inspiration towards work goals.
• Increased Health Concerns: Heightened stress and susceptibility to illnesses related to prolonged workplace stress.
• Negative Interactions: Higher instances of interpersonal conflict, including bullying or harassment.
If these signs are prevalent, it’s essential to address them swiftly to prevent further deterioration in workplace morale and to support the mental health of employees.
Steps to Improve Workplace EQ
A team’s EQ is a shared dynamic, affected by the individual EQ of each member and the organisational culture. The good news is that EQ can be developed collectively. Here’s a guide to enhancing your workplace EQ:
1. Assess the Current Environment
Begin with an honest assessment of the workplace culture and dynamics. Look for these common indicators of low EQ:
• High Absenteeism: Frequent sickness or unexplained absences, which can be a response to workplace stress.
• Cliques and Favouritism: Exclusive groups, gossip, and exclusionary behaviours that lead to feelings of isolation and unfair treatment.
• Unrealistic Workloads: Excessive demands without adequate resources, which contribute to burnout.
• Poor Communication: Miscommunication, lack of clarity, and strained interactions among team members.
• Micromanagement: Overly controlling management styles that reduce employee autonomy and trust.
Toxic behaviours can exist at all organisational levels. It’s crucial to assess whether negative behaviours stem from leadership or specific team dynamics.
2. Reaffirm Purpose and Mission
Low EQ workplaces often focus solely on performance and profits without recognising the importance of purpose. Clinically, research shows that a sense of purpose at work correlates with improved mental health outcomes, such as lower rates of anxiety and depression. To foster a purpose-driven environment:
• Revisit or Refresh the Mission Statement: Engage employees in defining or revisiting the company’s mission, making it more inclusive and purpose-driven.
• Celebrate Team Achievements: Recognising milestones and accomplishments can boost morale and foster a sense of belonging.
• Match Strengths to Roles: Understanding each individual’s strengths allows for better role alignment, fostering engagement and reducing burnout.
• Promote Growth and Development: Offer opportunities for skill development and cross-training, which have been shown to enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
A workplace that emphasises purpose and growth creates a supportive environment where employees feel valued, leading to better mental health and job satisfaction.
3. Encourage Open and Inclusive Communication
Research supports that strong working relationships improve mental wellbeing and job satisfaction. To build a more communicative and supportive workplace:
• Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in employees’ concerns and validate their experiences.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve employees in decisions that impact their work, which fosters empowerment and a sense of ownership.
• Regular Check-Ins: Hold one-on-one and team meetings to encourage open dialogue and make it easier to address issues promptly.
Inclusive communication has been shown to reduce work-related stress and improve mental wellbeing by creating a culture of respect and support.
Conclusion: Enhancing Workplace EQ for Mental Health and Productivity
Research on emotionally intelligent workplaces indicates three core conditions necessary for effective teamwork:
• Trust Among Team Members
• A Strong Sense of Group Identity
• Collective Efficacy
Building an emotionally intelligent workplace requires addressing challenging behaviours and reinforcing positive interactions. A supportive work culture benefits employees' mental health and enhances organisational productivity. By investing in workplace EQ, organisations can create healthier, more resilient teams and reduce the risk of mental health issues, ultimately leading to better overall outcomes.
About the Author
Ush Dhanak is a globally recognised Emotional Intelligence Coach with qualifications in Executive Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Coaching, NeuroLeadership, and Mediation. She works with companies and individuals to foster positive organisational cultures and personal development. Visit www.ushdhanak.com for more information.
By: Dec 24