Workplace Mental Health: Ways to Support Employee Wellness

Depression and anxiety are thought to cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) . WHO did find, however, that treating common mental health issues returns $4 in better health and productivity for every $1 spent on treatment.?

?The Society for Human Resources Management reports that many firms are improving their mental and emotional health benefits. Support can take many different forms, from managing stress to treating invisible illnesses like anxiety and depression.?

?Potential benefits of supporting employee health?

1. Increased productivity

?Employee happiness increases performance and productivity. Employees who are feeling good exhibit healthier behaviors and wiser judgment.

2.??????????????Increased employee morale?

?When their needs—physical, emotional, and financial—are satisfied on all levels, employees feel more capable and respected.?

3.??????????????Better talent?

?Your company is more likely to attract qualified candidates and keep your current employees for longer periods of time if it has a positive reputation in the market as an employer who appreciates and encourages work-life balance.

4.??????????????Improved CRM?

?Happy employees make the best brand ambassadors. If you treat them well, your clients will pick up on that positive vibe. These employees will be inspired to understand how your products and services meet customer requirements.?

?How can your company support employee mental health??

?As the leader in your company, you’re likely to care about your employees' wellbeing. The workplace is frequently the most regimented and controlled environment in employees' life, serving as their main source of social and emotional support.?

?Many people spend the bulk of their waking hours at work each week. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and support mental health in the workplace. Here are five ways your company can support employee wellness:?

1. Train your management to support well-being and good health

?For your organization to have a psychologically healthy culture, the leadership must support it. The implementation and maintenance of your policies and procedures as well as the creation of an environment that is generally supportive depend heavily on managers and supervisors who interact closely with employees.

?Consider giving your managers training in techniques that promote good relationships and mental health, leading by example.?

?Training on equity, diversity, and inclusion is also linked to promoting workers' mental health. They ask supervisors and managers to be aware of and adhere to the inclusive policies and procedures of their companies, to value different points of view, and to promote a psychologically secure environment.?

2.??Expand the possibilities for where, when, and how employees can work?

?The workplace must change to accommodate the unanticipated duties and extreme strains brought on by COVID-19.?

?Virtual or hybrid work can give flexibility to workers with caregiving duties, overcome location bias, and even encourage opportunities for employees of all levels to share ideas which are often much more intimidating in a meeting room environment.

?While this might work for some, it may not for others. The key is to give employees the freedom to choose from a range of fair solutions that strike a balance between business needs and their personal circumstances is crucial.?

3.??Reexamine health insurance coverage with a focus on employee mental health

?Benefits that encourage well-being are more crucial than ever for many employees. There is evidence linking mental health issues to lower levels of productivity at work.?

?Some fundamental tactics for promoting employee mental health include offering a variety of policies, tools, and management training that encourage a positive and adaptable workplace culture.

?However, even with the best preventive measures, mental health issues may still occur, and staff members will want support. For this reason, comprehensive health insurance benefits that cover psychological therapies are crucial.

4.??Pay attention to the needs of your employees and use their feedback to evolve?

?48 percent of workers claim that not being involved in decision-making increases stress at work. A substantial body of research indicates that workers are more likely to stay in a job when they believe they have a say in organizational choices.

?You may, for instance, solicit suggestions from the team regarding corporate guidelines. Utilize instruments like focus groups, town hall meetings, anonymous questionnaires, and suggestion boxes to collect input and provide particular opportunities to hear from staff members from various backgrounds.?

?Following a transparent sharing of the findings, create a strategy to resolve one or more of the concerns found, and take appropriate action moving forward.?

5.??Examine policies relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion critically

?To promote a psychologically healthy workplace and support employees' mental health, it is essential to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment. Stress is strongly correlated with incidents of interpersonal and organizational injustice and discrimination, which can lead people to leave their jobs.

?Equity-promoting policies foster the participation of more varied voices and the development of novel ideas, both of which can improve the general health of the organization.

?To guarantee the best and current practices in EDI, including assisting populations of people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, and people with disabilities, evaluating your company's policies and initiatives is essential.?

?Closing thoughts?

?Giving attention to mental health benefits your employees' ability to be the greatest versions of themselves as well as helping you prevent unfavorable results.

?Therefore, when you're encouraging mental health and wellbeing, be sure to let your employees know that doing so involves more than just lowering stress levels and preventing burnout.

?It's about prospering both within and outside of the workplace, feeling good, and performing well.