The mental well-being of your team is just as important as their physical health. Subtle changes in behavior or engagement can signal deeper issues that, if left unaddressed, may lead to reduced productivity, higher turnover, and a strained workplace culture. Recognizing these early signs allows organizations to respond thoughtfully and build a more resilient and supportive work environment.
Below are ten indicators that suggest your team may be facing mental health challenges. Noticing more than a few of these may point to the need for targeted mental health initiatives, such as a well-designed corporate mental wellbeing workshop.
1. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism
Frequent sick days, especially vague or pattern-based ones (such as every Friday or after long weekends), can reflect more than just physical illness. At the same time, presenteeism—when employees show up but are disengaged or mentally checked out—can be just as harmful to team performance.
2. Decline in Quality or Quantity of Work
You may notice missed deadlines, reduced attention to detail, or a general lack of follow-through from employees who were once consistent performers.
3. Rising Irritability or Conflict
Increased tension among team members, irritability, or a reluctance to collaborate may suggest that individuals are under more stress than usual.
4. Social Withdrawal
Employees who once participated in team discussions or social events may begin to avoid meetings, decline invitations, or appear disengaged during interactions.
5. Ongoing Fatigue
Signs such as difficulty concentrating, sluggishness, or physical exhaustion that persists beyond a single tough week could point to emotional or mental strain.
6. Negative or Cynical Attitudes
A shift in tone—frequent complaints, sarcasm, or pessimism about the organization or work—can signal a drop in morale or motivation.
7. Hesitation in Decision-Making
People may begin to second-guess themselves, avoid responsibility, or struggle to make routine decisions, especially if they were previously confident and decisive.
8. Changes in Appearance or Hygiene
A noticeable change in grooming, attire, or physical health may indicate that an employee is struggling and no longer has the energy or motivation to maintain routines.
9. Unhealthy Coping Habits
Employees might begin to rely more heavily on caffeine, junk food, or openly mention excessive alcohol consumption or other coping mechanisms that suggest stress management is becoming difficult.
10. Resistance to Change
Uncharacteristic reluctance toward new ideas, technologies, or policies may reflect deeper feelings of overwhelm or burnout.
Supporting Workplace Mental Wellbeing with Elephant in the Room Consulting
Recognizing these patterns is the first step. Responding with empathy and structure is the next step. At Elephant in the Room Consulting, we support organizations by helping them create psychologically safe workplaces where teams can thrive.
Through our corporate mental wellbeing workshops, we collaborate with leaders and employees to promote awareness, encourage healthier habits, and provide tools for managing stress more effectively. Each workshop is tailored to your organization’s context, ensuring the content is relevant, inclusive, and grounded in real workplace dynamics.
Our focus is twofold: to provide foundational mental health education that benefits everyone, and to equip managers with the confidence to lead with care and recognize when their team members need support. Investing in employee well-being isn’t about checking a box—it’s about sustaining a healthy, productive, and engaged workforce. By addressing mental health proactively, your organization not only supports its people but also strengthens its long-term performance and culture.
