Collaboration is the only way to solve wicked problems

According to the World Happiness Report*, Finland has the happiest people in the world. Despite its perennial global leadership, the same cannot be said of our own national statistics, where anxiety has risen and mental health diagnoses have become the largest major cause of long sick leave and permanent disability in the 2020s. Why do Finns not feel happy when they should have every reason to be

– The Happiness Report focuses on factors that are traditionally seen as reasons for happiness, such as security, infrastructure and digitalisation. In Finland, these factors are certainly in better shape than anywhere else: education is free, opportunities are equal, telecoms connections run smoothly, water is clean and the air is fresh. But there is more to mental well-being than just the basics; we also need a sense of meaning and personal satisfaction with life," says Taimela.

Bhutan, an economically poor country, is known for measuring the well-being of its citizens through a happiness index rather than gross domestic product. Indeed, the population of this poor, closed country is one of the happiest in the world, proving that well-being is not just about economic factors, but also about community and culture.

– To ensure that the happiest Finns in the world also feel well in the future, we need both main population-level health promotion strategies: a population-level strategy aimed at prevention and a high-risk strategy aimed at helping individuals at highest risk of disability. Work-related mental health problems are primarily addressed in the workplace through a partnership between employees, employers and occupational health services. Everyone's involvement is important, no one can outsource their responsibilities to others," he stresses.

Everyone benefits from good management

Workplace conditions, such as the working environment, work demands in relation to management tools, support from front-line staff and the work community, have a significant impact on mental health. Good leadership, realistic goals and meaningful work are key factors in improving mental well-being and preventing mental health problems. Conversely, poor leadership, unrealistic demands, inadequate work management tools and a poor working atmosphere can increase the risk of mental health problems.

– Decisions taken by top management in companies have a significant impact on organisational culture. Their decisions shape the workplace climate, which should support employee well-being and commitment. This can be achieved by creating an environment where employees can do work they find meaningful and feel valued and supported. For example, supporting employees' motivation and ability to work is key, as motivated employees are more engaged and productive at work," says Taimela.

The role of front-line managers in supporting employees' motivation and work capacity is crucial, as they have the opportunity to identify work capacity problems early on.

– The most effective results in work capacity management are achieved by targeting measures specifically at those employees who are most at risk of a decline in work capacity. Addressing an individual's risk factors can effectively prevent the chronicity of an identified situation, as long as appropriate help is available at the right time. Occupational health interventions have achieved excellent results, including brief psychotherapy in occupational health, which has been shown to prevent the prolongation of mental health problems and to reduce sickness absence and its duration. Similarly, people who have undergone brief psychotherapy have experienced a reduction in mood symptoms, a reduction in psychological symptoms and a significant increase in functional ability and perceived well-being," says Taimela.

However, identification is only halfway to a solution. Pre-workers also need training, support and tools to ensure that they have the necessary skills for preventive measures, as well as for counselling and work capacity negotiations. This may also mean organising their work in a way that leaves sufficient time for chaperone work

– Management culture plays an important role in determining the ability of chaperones to focus on employee wellbeing. Good management creates an atmosphere in the workplace where employees feel part of the community and can develop professionally," says Taimela.

Impact is achieved by leading with knowledge

Everyone must tackle the mental health epidemic to stop the trend that threatens the well-being and growth of Finns. Small steps, such as timely help for individuals, are just as important as broader community-wide interventions.

– Occupational health partners have an important role to play in guiding company-specific interventions and supporting reforms. By using occupational health data and reporting, it is possible to make informed decisions to improve employee wellbeing and select the most effective collective and individual interventions," concludes Taimela.

*World Happiness Report 2024