How Employers Can Support Employees' Mental Health
For the past decade, mental health in the workplace has been placed more in the limelight, and for good reason.
This is no longer something that employers should brush aside or employees should face only themselves.
So, what can you, as an employer, do to make sure your team knows their mental health matters? Read on to learn more.
Should Companies Support Mental Health?
Absolutely. In the United States, full-time workers spend around 8 hours per weekday at work. This equates to approximately 40 hours weekly. Yeaarly, this adds up to around 2,080 working hours for someone working a traditional 40-hour workweek.
Employees spend most of their waking hours at work. The
workplace significantly impacts a person’s mental health and well-being.
When people feel supported, they’re more engaged, more productive, and, frankly, happier at work.
On the other hand, if mental health is not taken into consideration, it can affect not just the individuals, but your entire organization. More on this below.
Why Should Companies Have Mental Health Initiatives For Employees?
It can also genuinely garner positive results for both the company and the employees: Here are the benefits of taking action on mental health in the workplace:
- It boosts workplace productivity. Mentally healthy employees are generally more productive. This means that they can focus better, make fewer mistakes, and contribute more effectively. Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety, costing $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
- It increases employee retention. Employees are most likely to stay in the company when they feel that their mental health is valued. A survey in 2023 found that 92% of workers said it is important to them to work for an organization that values their emotional and psychological well-being.
- It fosters a better workplace culture. A more supportive environment results in a more positive culture, better teamwork, higher morale, and a stronger workforce.
- It reduces absenteeism. Statistics show that Missed work due to mental health issues costs the U.S. economy $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity. Mentally healthy employees will less likely to take sick days. This means fewer work disruptions and a more consistent operational workflow.
- Because it is your legal and ethical responsibility. As an employer, it is your duty to take care of your employees. It is a legal obligation.
6 Ways Employers Can Support Employees' Mental Health
1. Culture, culture, culture
Culture may seem like a huge buzzword, but it does matter. It ultimately shapes your workplace environment and is the backbone of your mental health efforts.
If you haven’t already, encourage employees speak up more about their mental well-being within the professional environment. When they start to feel that they can be open about their feelings without the fear of repercussion, it can foster trust and safety.
If you lead the team,
know that you hold a big role in starting these conversations. Lead by example. You can start by sharing a unique experience you’ve had yourself, when appropriate. Show that it’s okay to be vulnerable, as it’s part of being human.
2. Spread awareness on mental health
Don’t assume that everyone knows (or values) all the ins and outs of mental health. Spreading awareness is important, and can make a huge difference. Equip your team with the right tools, training, and resources on mental health. This will help management and staff know how they can support one another. Apart from this, it can create a more empathetic and informed workplace. Here are some examples of resources you can offer:
- On-site or virtual counseling services
- Mental health workshops and seminars
- Stress management and resilience training
- Mental health first aid certification
- Access to online mental health platforms
- Regular mental health awareness campaigns
- Confidential employee support hotlines
- Training for managers on recognizing mental health issues
- Resources for creating a mental health-friendly workplace policy
3. Offer flexibility
Workplace settings have gone past the traditional 9-to-5 schedule, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic, only 17% of U.S. employees worked from home five days or more per week. Post-pandemic, many companies have shifted to a hybrid setup or a fully work from home schedule, with 25% of employees expecting remote work as a benefit of employment.
Not everyone thrives in a 9-to-5 setting. If applicable to your industry, consider offering flexibility to your working hours as it can go a long way in reducing stress. And in any case an employee needs time off due to mental health reasons, be more understanding of the situation. A day off can make a a big difference in someone’s working capacity, and may even be able to bounce back stronger after they have recharged.
4. Incorporate mental health resources
Have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or include mental health services to your employees’ health insurance. Think about offering mental health days as part of your leave policy. A mental health leave can be just as equally important as taking a sick day off, as it is a health-related concern.
5. Work-life balance
How often does your company actually practice it?
Are your employees working overtime? Are they not taking sick days? Is someone taking more sick days off than usual? Do check-ins. Encourage employees to take their lunch breaks and vacation time. Take a look at your operations. Do you have a culture where employees feel they have to be working all the time, even after work hours? Include well-being initiatives like team building, mental health programs, or even just a walk during lunch breaks.
6. Build a safe workplace environment
Address any issues of discrimination or harassment occurring immediately. A toxic atmosphere should not be tolerated, thus it is important to be proactive with your policies. Have clear ones in place and take them seriously.
Safety also means having a comfortable environment. See to it that you provide the right tools and solutions for your employees, may it be ergonomic chairs, sound proof rooms, and well-maintained office spaces. Let them voice out what they need and act on it. These all contribute to a more stress-free workplace.
Let us create safer, more inclusive, and mentally healthy workplaces
It’s high time we all take action to ensure that employees feel valued and supported within their professional environments.
Are you an employer, leader, or advocate looking to make a difference? This is a huge step- there is no better time than now to make a change. Join FundamentalChange in our mission to break down mental health barriers and stigma, promote inclusivity, and create people-first workplaces. Check out our resources, blogs, and events for more information.
