Mental Health in the Workplace

Among many trends we have been tracking over the past several years, employee mental health and wellness have remained at the forefront of the conversation.

We’ve all experience firsthand how the evolution of technology has changed the way business is conducted and nowhere is that more prevalent than the expectation that professionals in many industries are ‘always online’.

An entire movement based on the importance of work/life balance was born from this shift, with mental health as a primary focus.

Mental Health as a Primary Focus in the Workplace

Employers who continue prioritizing their employee’s well-being will benefit from these efforts as those in the workforce repeatedly express the importance of this as part of their overall job satisfaction. Conversely, workers who don’t feel supported in this space are more likely to seek employment elsewhere.

A Healthy Workforce is a Happy Workforce

A healthy workforce is a happy workforce, and as we move into the beginning of another year, employers need all the effort they can get from their team. Protecting their mental health during this time is imperative.

“Employees are increasingly seeking work environments that support their mental health, while employers recognize the value of a happy and healthy workforce. This shift has led to a surge in the conversation surrounding mental health and wellness in the workplace.”

Job Seekers Take Their Mental Health Seriously

“According to Mind Share Partners’ 2019 Mental Health at Work Report, mental health affects the workplace significantly, reducing productivity and forcing some employees out. “Over 60 percent of respondents said their productivity at work was affected by their mental health, and over a third thought their work or workplace environment contributed to their symptoms,”

Job seekers are taking their mental health seriously, and a company culture that respects this will make your organization more appealing to top candidates. While it isn’t a quick fix, spending time and resources on improving your internal culture will absolutely pay off.

How to Build a Supportive Company Culture

• Communicate clearly to employees your company’s mental-health and wellness benefits, programs, and policies, and how they can access support and resources when they need them.
• Prioritize a work-life balance by offering flexibility to employees. This can help them better handle stressors and responsibilities in their lives.
• Provide emotional support through one-on-one check-ins or by reducing an employee’s workload to just essential tasks when they are experiencing mental stressors or a difficult period.
• Set aside time for fun activities that help employees bond outside the (in-person or virtual) workplace and provide opportunities for them to relax mentally and physically.
• Create a culture of psychological safety—it opens the door to conversations with employees when you notice job performance issues or signs they are suffering from anxiety or stress.

How to Implement a Mental Health Program in the Workplace

TZR Vice President and licensed professional counselor, Angela Fisher, reminds hiring managers and HR leads “It doesn’t have to be a huge expensive program. It can begin with just talking about mental health,” she continues “There is a stigma about talking about mental health. Employers and leaders can help reduce stigma by making “emotional space” in the office to share mental/emotional burdens. Again, this can be done by just starting a conversation and showing concern for your employees.”

Additional Mental Health Get-Started Tips from Angela

• Encourage employees to utilize any health care benefits afforded to them…many resources are left untapped due to employees fearing if people know they are seeking mental health assistance that this will jeopardize their position or cause others to lose respect for them.
• Encourage employees to take time off, especially after a demanding period at work (deadlines, etc.).

Valuing Mental Health Equals Successful Results

As always, be sure to practice what you preach – employees are watching. Creating an environment where workers feel their mental health is a priority is step one, but they must see these behaviors modeled by leadership to fully buy-in to them.

Creating real work-life balance is only possible if the entire team is committed to following through on boundaries. Business leaders who set – and then follow – a tone of respect and understanding for their employees’ well-being will see the benefits both professionally and personally. Win, win!