10/10/2024

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

The Ikea effect H AVE you ever noticed how something you have M I N D T H E M I N D

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

Crucial to tackle workplace mental health issues

Actively engaging in the creation process – whether through DIY projects, cooking your own meals or crafting something from scratch – can lead to a deeper sense of accomplishment. – SUNPIC

put effort into – whether assembling furniture, preparing a meal or working on a personal project – feels more meaningful to you than something you simply purchased or received? This is a reflection of the Ikea effect, a psychological phenomenon that explains why we tend to place more value on things we have worked on ourselves. Coined by researchers Michael Norton, Daniel Mochon and Dan Ariely in a study published in Cognition in 2011, the Ikea effect is named after the popular Swedish furniture company, where customers assemble their own products. The researchers found that individuals tend to overvalue items they have assembled themselves, even when their efforts are minimal or the result is imperfect. This happens because personal effort leads to a greater sense of ownership, pride and emotional attachment to the object or experience. At its core, the Ikea effect demonstrates how our labour imbues things with meaning. When we invest time and energy into creating something, our brain justifies the effort by inflating the perceived value of what we have produced. It is a form of cognitive bias where effort enhances our emotional connection to an outcome. This phenomenon does not only apply to assembling furniture – it influences various aspects of our lives, from personal projects and hobbies to relationships and professional accomplishments. Understanding the Ikea effect can offer valuable insights for personal growth. By consciously leveraging this effect, we can enhance our sense of accomplishment, improve our relationships and cultivate a deeper connection to our goals. Here are a few ways to apply the Ikea effect for self-improvement: 0 Embrace effort as part of the journey Rather than focusing solely on the end result, begin to value the process itself. When working on personal goals or creative projects, remind yourself that the effort you put in is what gives the outcome its true worth. Whether you are learning a new skill, working on a hobby or pursuing a career goal, B Y D R P R A V E E N A R A J E N D R A

THIS year’s theme for World Mental Health Day, celebrated today, is ”Mental Health at Work”. It highlights the importance of enhancing employees’ well-being, which can lead to better work and organisational outcomes. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 indicates that the number of people experiencing depression has doubled in the last four years, with approximately one million individuals aged 16 and older in the country suffering from depression and stress, compared with half a million adults in 2019. This calls for immediate action to support those struggling with these conditions. Experts argue that today’s stressors are more intense than those of previous decades, and people may be less equipped to manage them. For example, the pandemic has taken away productive time, disrupted lives and created a need to catch up, inevitably leading to increased stress. It is important to note that Malaysia has only about 500 psychiatrists (0.52 psychiatrists per 100,000 people), falling short of the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of one psychiatrist per 10,000 people. It is important for the government to increase funding to improve training as well as recruit and retain more mental health professionals. While the upcoming 2025 budget has many competing demands, it is widely acknowledged that “there is no health without mental health”. Therefore, such funding – subject to regular audits to prevent waste and leakage – should be seen as an investment rather than a cost. The relentless demands of a competitive workplace often push staff to do more, leading to increased stress. Experts emphasise that mental health is just as vital as physical health. Like Australia, our government should seriously consider implementing a new Well-being Act, with a dedicated commissioner to strengthen workplace mental health protections and address the underlying causes of mental stress. This proactive policy is crucial and timely for enhancing mental support for employees in the workplace. In addition to legislation, it is also essential to promote a positive mental health culture and social attitudes in the workplace. Steve Ngeow Sze Loong Kajang

your relationships does not just increase their value to you, it deepens the sense of mutual appreciation. 0 Set incremental goals To maximise the benefits of the Ikea effect, set goals that require consistent effort and allow for incremental progress. Whether you are working toward a fitness goal, career achievement or personal development, breaking down larger goals into smaller tasks can give you a series of accomplishments to celebrate along the way. Each milestone you achieve through effort will provide a sense of satisfaction and help reinforce your commitment to the larger goal. While the Ikea effect highlights the value of personal effort, it is important to balance effort with realistic expectations. Sometimes, our enthusiasm for our own creations can lead us to overvalue things that may not meet objective standards. It is crucial to stay open to feedback and recognise when outside expertise or assistance is beneficial. Understanding the limits of your abilities and being willing to collaborate or seek help when necessary can help you achieve the best possible outcomes while still maintaining a sense of ownership and pride in your work. The next time you are faced with a challenging task, remember that the effort you put in is not just work; it is what makes the outcome truly valuable. Dr Praveena is a certified mental health and awareness practitioner specialising in narcissistic abuse recovery. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

recognise that the time and energy you invest are integral to personal growth. This shift in mindset will help you appreciate the journey as much as the destination. 0 Take ownership of your projects One reason the Ikea effect is so powerful is because it fosters a sense of ownership. Apply this principle in your daily life by taking ownership of your tasks and projects, whether at work or in personal endeavours. When you take responsibility for an outcome and invest effort into making it a reality, you become more engaged and motivated. Ownership drives pride in the work, enhancing productivity and satisfaction. 0 Practise hands-on involvement In today’s fast-paced world, we are often tempted to outsource tasks or opt for ready-made solutions. While convenience is sometimes necessary, actively engaging in the creation process – whether through DIY projects, cooking your own meals or crafting something from scratch – can lead to a deeper sense of accomplishment. By involving yourself directly, you build a connection to the final product, which can help foster personal satisfaction and confidence. 0 Apply the Ikea effect in relationships The Ikea effect can also be a useful tool in strengthening personal relationships, which require effort. The more we invest in nurturing and supporting our loved ones, the more we value those connections. By putting in time and energy to understand, communicate and grow together, we can enhance the emotional bond we share with others. Investing effort in