The mental well-being of your team is just as vital as their physical health. When employees are struggling mentally, subtle behavioral shifts often serve as early warning signs. Ignoring these cues can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, high turnover, and a negative workplace culture.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. This staggering figure underscores why recognizing early signs your team is struggling mentally isn’t just a moral priority it’s a business imperative.
Recognizing these warning signs early allows organizations to intervene and foster a supportive, resilient work environment. Below are ten key signs your employees may be struggling mentally and what you can do about them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Why it matters: Early signs of mental distress — like fatigue, withdrawal, and performance dips — can lead to burnout, turnover, and declining morale if ignored.
- What to look for: Behavioural, emotional, and social changes often indicate deeper mental health challenges within the team.
- How to respond: Create open conversations, offer support, and provide access to mental well-being programs to protect both people and performance.
1. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism
Frequent sick leaves, late arrivals, or sudden absences, especially following weekends or holidays, often point to deeper issues such as stress, anxiety, or burnout. But being physically present while mentally disengaged (presenteeism) can be equally harmful. Employees may show up but struggle to focus, perform routine tasks, or stay motivated.
Encouraging flexible schedules, mental health days, and open conversations about well-being can help address the root cause rather than the symptom.
2. Decline in Work Quality or Productivity
When employees who once excelled begin missing deadlines, overlooking details, or needing frequent supervision, it could be a red flag for mental fatigue. Stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion directly affects concentration, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Instead of immediate performance reviews or criticism, it’s important to first understand whether workload pressure, personal challenges, or a lack of emotional support is affecting output.
3. Rising Irritability and Workplace Conflicts
A sudden rise in tension, emotional outbursts, or frequent disagreements among team members can often be traced back to unmanaged stress or burnout. Employees under psychological strain tend to have a lower tolerance for frustration, making small issues feel overwhelming.
Introducing regular mental health check-ins, conflict resolution sessions, and mindfulness practices can help employees regulate emotions and improve team dynamics.
Mental Wellbeing Workshops for Your Team
Support your employees before stress turns into burnout. Our expert-led Mental Wellbeing Workshops help leaders and teams recognise early warning signs, communicate openly, and build a culture of psychological safety. Reach us at +91-9136130525 to book a free consultation. (9am to 6pm IST, Mon–Fri)
4. Social Withdrawal
An employee who once actively participated in meetings or office gatherings but now avoids interaction might be dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion. Isolation is a common coping mechanism for those struggling mentally.
Leaders should create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable expressing how they’re feeling. Encouraging peer support groups or casual wellness activities can also help re-engage withdrawn team members.
5. Persistent Fatigue or Exhaustion
Constant tiredness, even after rest, is often more mental than physical. Employees who feel drained, unfocused, or unmotivated despite sufficient sleep may be battling chronic stress or burnout. This can manifest in slower reaction times, reduced productivity, or frequent mistakes.
Encouraging time off, balanced workloads, and mental recovery breaks, not just physical rest, can help restore focus and energy levels.
6. Negative or Cynical Attitudes
When once-enthusiastic employees begin displaying pessimism, sarcasm, or detachment, it’s often a symptom of emotional exhaustion. Chronic negativity can spread quickly, lowering morale across teams and creating a toxic work environment.
Acknowledging these behavioural shifts and addressing workplace stressors such as excessive workload, lack of recognition, or poor communication can prevent this cynicism from taking root.
7. Indecisiveness or Lack of Confidence
Stress and anxiety can make even capable employees doubt their own decisions. They might overthink, seek excessive reassurance, or hesitate to take ownership of tasks. This uncertainty not only slows down work but also affects self-esteem.
Leaders can help by offering constructive feedback, setting realistic expectations, and promoting a growth mindset. Providing coaching or mental health workshops focused on resilience can also rebuild confidence and focus.
👉 OUR TAKE: When leaders pay attention to subtle behavioural shifts and respond with empathy, communication, and timely support, struggling employees regain confidence and teams regain momentum. Mental well-being isn’t a checkbox; it’s a commitment to helping people thrive every day.
8. Noticeable Changes in Appearance or Hygiene
A sudden change in grooming habits, dress, or overall appearance can be an external sign of internal distress. When employees stop paying attention to personal care or seem visibly tired and unkempt, it often indicates emotional overload, depression, or disengagement.
These signs should never be judged; instead, they should prompt discreet, compassionate check-ins. A simple “Are you doing okay?” can open the door to meaningful support.
9. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
When employees begin relying heavily on caffeine, smoking, junk food, alcohol, or avoidance behaviours to get through the day, it’s often a sign of unmanaged stress. Some might also immerse themselves in overwork as a distraction from emotional distress.
Introducing healthy alternatives such as wellness challenges, fitness programs, and access to counselling can help replace these coping mechanisms with more sustainable strategies.
» Uncover the keys to a healthier workplace where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Learn more in How Can You Create Awareness on Mental Health at Work?
10. Resistance to Change
Burned-out employees often find it difficult to adapt to new technologies, leadership styles, or company policies. Change feels like an added burden rather than an opportunity. This resistance may stem from mental fatigue, fear of failure, or a lack of emotional capacity to handle uncertainty.
Offering transparency, adequate training, and emotional reassurance during transitions helps employees feel supported and capable of embracing change confidently.
Addressing the Issue: Supporting Mental Health at Work
Recognizing these signs is just the beginning. The next step is building a culture that prioritizes mental well-being.
At Elephant in the Room (EITHR) Consulting, we specialize in helping organizations create psychologically safe workplaces. Through our corporate mental wellbeing workshops, we empower leaders and employees to:
- Recognize early signs of mental health challenges
- Communicate effectively about emotional well-being
- Develop stress management and resilience strategies
- Foster empathy and inclusivity in team interactions
Every workshop is customized to your organisation’s culture and workforce needs, ensuring relevance, engagement, and real results.
Investing in mental health awareness is not just a moral responsibility; it’s a strategic business decision. When employees feel supported, productivity, creativity, and loyalty all improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know an employee is suffering mentally?
Look for consistent changes in behavior—such as fatigue, withdrawal, irritability, or missed deadlines. If an employee who was once engaged becomes quiet, unfocused, or distant, it may indicate emotional distress.
What are 5 signs of poor mental wellbeing?
Persistent fatigue
Social withdrawal
Irritability or mood swings
Decline in work quality
Negative or cynical thinking
How to know if someone is struggling mentally?
Notice patterns: avoidance of social interaction, low energy, loss of motivation, or emotional outbursts. Early recognition allows timely support through open communication and professional resources.
How to tell if work is affecting your mental health?
If you experience constant stress, dread workdays, lose sleep over job concerns, or feel detached from your role, your work may be impacting your mental health. It’s important to set boundaries and seek organisational or professional support.
In summary, recognising the early signs that your team is struggling mentally is essential to maintaining a healthy, thriving workplace. By combining awareness, empathy, and structured mental well-being programs, organisations can ensure their people and their business flourish together.
