Mental Health in High-Pressure Work Environments

In recent months, several tragic incidents have occurred in Taiwan’s workplaces, from the suicide case involving an employee of the Ministry of Labor’s Northern Branch to the recent murder during an exit interview at a tech company. Though the circumstances differ, all point to one alarming reality: mental health under high-pressure work environments has become an issue that can no longer be ignored.

In today’s fiercely competitive workplace, stress follows like a shadow. When people relentlessly pursue excellence while neglecting their inner well-being, they may gradually lose themselves without even realizing it.

A high-pressure work culture doesn’t emerge from a single cause but from a complex interplay of multiple factors. Excessive workloads, lack of support, strained interpersonal relationships, and uncertain career prospects can keep both employees and managers in prolonged states of stress. This constant pressure not only harms employees’ mental health but also undermines corporate growth, reducing productivity, stifling creativity, and increasing turnover rates, ultimately creating a downward spiral that’s hard to reverse.

What Is the Essence of Life? Work?

Have you noticed that the row of trees you pass by every day on your way to work has started to bloom? Or how the fallen leaves dance gently in the wind before landing softly on the ground? Have you ever felt the warmth of sunlight on your skin, seeping into your heart?
In these seemingly ordinary moments lies an abundance of beauty. Work is important, but living well is even more important. Learn to slow down, to experience life, and to seek inner peace. Try embracing the philosophy of “less is more,” leaving more room for your mind and soul, and everything will naturally feel lighter and brighter.

In facing the challenges of high-pressure workplaces, both companies and employees are stretched thin. For organizations, establishing a mental health support system is essential through counseling services, wellness seminars, and employee support groups. Creating a healthy work environment, training empathetic managers, assessing employees’ mental well-being, and providing transparent communication or complaint channels are all key responsibilities of the employer.

For employees, learning stress management techniques, nurturing positive relationships, setting realistic goals, seeking professional help when needed, and evaluating a company’s culture during the job search are all crucial ways to protect one’s mental well-being. We encourage job seekers to learn more about a company’s work culture during interviews to see if it aligns with their own values and lifestyle. More importantly, we must learn to shift our focus beyond work to a broader, richer life.
Travel, read, cultivate hobbies, and spend quality time with family and friends. These moments of joy help us release stress and rediscover the beauty of living.

Mental health is one of the most valuable assets in the workplace and the foundation of a fulfilling life. Both employers and employees should work hand in hand to build a healthy, positive, and supportive work environment. At the same time, let us remind ourselves that life is more than work, there’s so much more waiting to be experienced. Open your heart, embrace life, and find balance between work and living. The future will be vibrant and full of possibilities.

 

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Published by iNSearch 卓恩管理顧問有限公司
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