In the workshop ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’ at the TUM Campus Heilbronn, Dr Senner explains how mental illnesses develop, what effects they have and how they can be treated. Often, even recognizing the illness is a major obstacle: “A broken arm is easy to see, but with mental health problems, it is often just a vague feeling.” Managers often don’t know how to deal with it and remain inactive out of ignorance – the worst possible decision, warns Senner.

Worrying figures

The severity of the situation is highlighted by alarming figures: more than one in three people develop a mental illness during their lifetime, but only around 25 per cent receive treatment. In the last ten years, the number of cases of anxiety disorders, depression and burnout has risen by 90 per cent. “The number of days of absence from work also rose again last year, despite the high level of the previous year. Unfortunately, it is and remains an important topic for the future,” Senner points out.

Then there are psychosomatic complaints: “According to studies, back pain has a physical cause in only about 30 per cent of those affected,” explains Senner. “So for most patients, their back is not the source of the problem – and yet they stand in front of you and point exactly to the spot where it hurts.” Body and mind are closely connected, and this must also be taken into account in the treatment.

A burden for employees and companies

Mental illness not only puts a strain on the affected employees, but also causes enormous costs for companies and society. While progress has been made in the area of physical occupational safety, Dr Senner sees a need for action in the area of mental health protection: “Many companies invest considerable resources to achieve small margin increases, for example in purchasing, but there is enormous, often untapped potential in the prevention of mental stress.”

However, Senner sees light at the end of the tunnel: “Mental health in the workplace has developed from being nice to have to being a central corporate issue.” The modern working world is becoming faster, faster, and digital, which also challenges managers. “It’s about making this elusive topic more accessible,” explains Senner. With timely measures such as the development of strategies and the exchange of best practices, preventive action can be taken.

The appropriate tools

Training is one way of supporting managers in this area. “At the TUM Campus Heilbronn, they learn the right techniques for recognising mental illnesses and helping affected employees,” says Senner. In the “Mental Health at Workplace” workshop, participants learn how to respond to mental health issues empathetically and effectively. “Only through dialogue and discussion can we grow. The participants receive specific recommendations for action here,” emphasizes Senner, underlining TUM’s leading role in training the managers of tomorrow.

The next opportunity to fill up the toolbox will be on 30 and 31 January 2025. All the information can be found here: https://tumheilbronn-ggmbh.de/en/continuing-education/mental-health-at-work/