U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on Thursday issued guidance stating that toxic work environments "are harmful to workers" both mentally and physically, and offered recommendations on how workplace leaders can create a healthy work environment.

Surgeon General warns against toxic workplaces

According to the report, long hours, limited autonomy in the workplace, and low wages can affect a person's health and performance within the organization. Chronic stress disrupts sleep, increases a person's vulnerability to infection, and has been linked to conditions including heart disease and depression, the report said.

"Toxic workplaces are harmful to workers—to their mental health, and it turns out, to their physical health as well," Murthy said.

The report recommends workplace leaders listen to their employees regarding their needs, increase pay, and limit communications outside of work hours. According to the report, a mentally healthy workplace includes opportunities for growth, a good work-life balance, community, protection from harm, and influence from employees on workplace decisions.

"As we recover from the worst of the pandemic, we have an opportunity and the power to make workplaces engines for mental health and well-being," Murthy said. "It will require organizations to rethink how they protect workers from harm, foster a sense of connection among workers, show workers that they matter, make space for their lives outside work, and support their growth. It will be worth it, because the benefits will accrue for workers and organizations alike."

"People are asking themselves what they want out of work," Murthy added. "They're also asking themselves what they're willing to sacrifice for work, and the fundamental questions are reshaping people's relationships with the workplace."

According to a survey from the American Psychological Association of more than 2,000 workers in April and May, 18% said their workplace was somewhat or very toxic and 30% said they had experienced harassment, verbal abuse, or physical violence at work.

Meanwhile, a survey of around 11,300 workers between 2020 and 2021 conducted by Mental Health America found that roughly 80% said their work stress affects relationships with friends, family, and co-workers.

"When I talk to employers, they all acknowledge that mental health and well-being are top concerns of theirs," said Ron Goetzel, director of the Institute for Health and Productivity Studies at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "This has come up into the C-suite, more so than ever before."

"A healthy workforce is the foundation for thriving organizations and healthier communities," Murthy said. (Ellis, Wall Street Journal, 10/20; Cooney, STAT, 10/20)