Supporting Employee Mental Health: A Guide for HR Leaders

Employees work in fast-paced, high-stress work environments, and the significance of mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 23% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021. Moreover, suicide rates have surged by approximately 36% between 2000 and 2022, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These alarming statistics highlight the urgency of addressing mental health, especially in the workplace, where stress, long hours, and increasing workloads contribute to employee burnout and declining well-being.

While these statistics can seem overwhelming, the good news is that conversations around mental health are more prevalent than in recent years. Many HR leaders still feel unprepared to tackle the mental health challenges their employees face. A recent Travelers survey of small and midsize businesses revealed that while 88% of managers are concerned about employee well-being, only one-third are confident in their ability to address mental health in the workplace.

Understanding Your Workforce

Each workplace is different, and it’s essential to understand the specific needs of your workforce. For instance, younger workers are often more open about discussing mental health issues compared to their older counterparts. Additionally, some industries are inherently more stressful, with employees working long hours or facing higher mental health risks due to the nature of their jobs.

Because of these differences, it is important to offer a variety of tools and resources tailored to employees' unique needs. Mental health apps, licensed therapists, stress management programs, and overall care are essential to an effective mental health strategy. For example, someone dealing with stress may benefit from an app or an educational resource, while someone suffering from severe depression may need professional help from a licensed therapist.

HR leaders should be aware of these factors and adapt their mental health strategies to reflect the diverse needs of their teams.

Encouraging Mental Health Screenings

Mental health issues often manifest as physical ailments, making it essential to encourage employees to get screened for mental health concerns. Regular screenings can help identify issues before they become crises, allowing for early intervention and appropriate care.

The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), is a powerful tool for HR leaders to implement in their mental health screening efforts. This evidence-based method is designed to assess the severity and immediacy of suicide risk. It uses a simple set of questions to evaluate if someone is thinking about suicide, whether they have made plans, and if they have taken steps to attempt it. The Columbia Protocol can be invaluable to your organization’s mental health toolkit, ensuring that those at the highest risk receive immediate attention and care. Learn more by visiting - https://cssrs.columbia.edu/the-columbia-scale-c-ssrs/about-the-scale.

Show You Care, But Be Genuine

According to the American Psychological Association, 92% of employees say working for an organization that values their well-being is essential. However, many employees don’t feel cared about, which can undermine mental health efforts. HR leaders must ensure that their support for employees is not only visible but also perceived as genuine. If employees believe the concern is superficial, it won’t have a meaningful impact on their well-being.

Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Problems

While it’s not an employer’s job to diagnose mental health issues, HR leaders should be familiar with common signs of distress. Are employees frequently tired, anxious, or showing signs of depression? These indicators may signal that someone is struggling and in need of help. Using tools such as the PHQ-9 or Perceived Stress Survey as part of an employee engagement and wellness survey can provide leaders with insights into their employees' well-being. Life Force Wellness LLC can support organizations by creating and conducting employee surveys. The goal is to provide employers with reports and recommendations to enhance their workplace and support employees. By identifying these indicators, HR leaders can guide employees to the right resources, such as therapy or support programs, either within the company or in the community.

Management Training

We have all heard the saying that people don't leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses. Training managers and leaders on recognizing social stress triggers, promoting a growth mindset, and implementing positive psychology interventions can significantly impact their interactions with employees. Managers should understand primary social stress triggers and learn how to de-escalate high-stress interactions while promoting a growth mindset and mental resilience. Life Force Wellness offers various workshops addressing this training to help organizations promote a culture of growth and positivity.

Workload and Burnout

While providing mental health resources is crucial, addressing the root cause of much workplace stress is equally important: excessive workloads. In many organizations, the pressure to do more with fewer people has been growing over the past 50 years, leading to increased burnout and diminished mental health. HR leaders need to evaluate whether the demands being placed on employees are reasonable and make adjustments where necessary to prevent stress from escalating into long-term mental health issues.

Addressing employee mental health requires a multifaceted approach that includes providing diverse resources, understanding your workforce’s unique needs, and offering genuine care. Tools like the Columbia Protocol can help HR leaders assess and mitigate suicide risk, while regular screenings and touchpoints with workers ensure mental health remains a priority. By recognizing the signs of distress and making thoughtful changes to workloads, HR leaders can help create a mentally healthy workplace where employees feel supported and valued.

Ultimately, mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is time for organizations to treat it that way. By doing so, you can not only support the well-being of your employees but also enhance overall productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.

Life Force Wellness LLC specializes in creating positive work cultures that promote employee well-being. If you would like a free consultation on promoting positive mental health in your organization, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.lifeforcewellness.com.