Mental health is something that should be taken seriously in the workplace. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five American adults experiences a mental illness in a given year. That’s a lot of people! And yet, many employers don’t do enough to look after their employees’ mental health. In this blog post, we will discuss multiple ways that you can look after your employees’ mental health. We will also talk about why it’s important to do so and what the benefits are. Finally, we will take a look at the financial repercussions of not doing enough to protect your employees’ mental health.
Table of Contents
Comfortable Open Communication
Make sure that employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health. Having a safe space for employees to talk about their mental health can help them to find the support they need, and prevent any issues from getting worse due to lack of communication. For example, hold regular mental health check-ins with your staff in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Also, make sure to have clear policies about what is and isn’t acceptable in the workplace when it comes to discussing mental health issues.
Offer Guidance
Provide employees with guidance on how to look after their mental health. This could include offering mental health classes or webinars, providing access to mental health professionals or offering free counseling sessions. For example, you could provide employees with access to an employee assistance program (EAP). Also, make sure to educate managers on how to spot signs of mental health issues and what they can do to help.
Promote Self-Care
Encourage employees to take care of themselves. This could include having regular breaks throughout the day, encouraging healthy habits like exercising and eating well, and offering flexible work hours if possible. For example, create a “wellness corner” in the office with resources and tips on how to practice self-care. You could also organize group activities such as yoga classes, meditation sessions or team-building exercises.
Celebrate Achievements
Create a workplace culture that celebrates accomplishments and successes. Recognizing employees’ hard work can boost morale, which in turn can help to reduce stress. For example, you could introduce a “spotlight of the week” or “employee of the month” to recognize employees who have achieved something great. Also, make sure to recognize employees’ birthdays and celebrate other milestones with them.
Power of Flexi Hours
Offer flexible working hours where possible. Working long hours or during times when people are most stressed can be damaging to an employee’s mental health. Allowing employees to choose their hours or work from home occasionally can help them stay productive while looking after their wellbeing. For example, allow employees to choose their working hours and decide when they take breaks or lunch. Also, consider introducing a “flexi-time” policy so that employees can adjust their hours around their personal commitments.
Mental Health Days
Offer mental health days as part of paid leave allowances. Taking a day off every now and then can give employees the chance to rest, relax and take care of themselves before returning refreshed and ready for more work. Also, make sure to respect employees’ requests for mental health days and don’t pressure them into returning to work before they are ready.
Actively Listen
Encourage active listening from managers and colleagues. Listening to an employee’s problems can help them feel heard and understood, which is important for both their physical and mental health. For example, when an employee is talking about their mental health, focus on understanding what they are saying and take the time to provide meaningful feedback. Also, ensure that managers and colleagues treat all mental health issues with the same level of sensitivity and respect.
Wellness Activities
Organize wellness activities such as yoga classes, mindfulness sessions or even a simple office walk. Allowing employees to take part in activities that are good for their mental health can be beneficial in the long run. Also, a workplace mental health speaker can be a great way to educate and inspire employees. They can also provide useful advice on how to look after one’s mental health in the workplace.
Mental Health Education
Provide education on different aspects of mental health, such as anxiety, depression and stress management. Educating your employees on how to manage their own mental health can help them stay healthy over the long term. Also, make sure that employees feel comfortable talking openly about their mental health without fear of judgment.
Feedback System
Create a feedback system that allows employees to provide honest and constructive feedback. This can be a great way for employers to identify any potential issues in the workplace, such as stress or burnout. Encouraging open communication between managers and employees is key to creating a healthy work environment. Additionally, have an anonymous survey system where employees can give their honest opinion on how they feel the workplace is doing in terms of mental health.
Professional Support
Encourage employees to seek professional support when needed. Make sure that there are reliable mental health professionals or organizations available for employees to reach out to if they need help with their mental health. Also, offer mental health resources such as online counseling or support groups. This can help employees who may feel uncomfortable talking about their issues to seek assistance and manage their own mental health.
Employee Assistance Programs
Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs). EAPs provide access to counseling and other forms of support for employees struggling with mental health issues. For example, an EAP can provide access to a professional counselor for employees who need assistance dealing with mental health issues. This can be beneficial in helping employees cope and manage their mental health effectively.
Regular Breaks
Ensure that all employees take regular breaks throughout the day. Even short 10 minute breaks can make a difference, as they give people time away from work-related stressors which can be damaging in the long run. Also, make sure that employees are taking their allotted vacation time, as this can help them to recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed. For example, encourage employees to take a few days off during long weekends or holidays.
Financial Incentives
Provide financial incentives for employees to look after their mental health. Offering discounts on memberships at gyms, yoga studios or meditation classes can incentivise people to look after themselves and reduce stress levels. For example, employers could provide discounts or reimbursements for employees who sign up to a mental health class. This can help to make sure that employees are taking care of their mental health and well-being.
Workplace Mental Health Policies
Create workplace mental health policies that ensure employees feel safe and supported. These policies should cover topics such as discrimination, bullying and harassment – all of which can have a serious impact on an employee’s mental wellbeing. For example, employers should have a clear anti-discrimination policy in place that outlines the consequences of any such behavior. Additionally, make sure these policies are communicated to employees on a regular basis.
Encourage Socialization
Encourage socialization amongst colleagues. Allowing your employees to get to know each other outside of work can help build strong relationships between them, which in turn can help foster a better working environment. For example, organizing team events, such as lunch or after-work drinks can be a great way to get people talking and socializing. This can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental wellbeing.
Financial Repercussions
It’s important to consider the financial repercussions of not doing enough to protect your employees’ mental health. According to a 2018 survey by Mental Health America, businesses lose an estimated $80 billion each year due to lost productivity and absenteeism related to mental health issues. It is therefore essential for employers to take proactive steps in order to ensure that their employees are looked after, both physically and mentally. Doing so will help create a healthier workplace environment and lead to increased productivity, which can benefit both the business itself as well as its employees. For example, employers can invest in mental health programs that are designed to help employees manage their mental wellbeing. With the right support and resources, businesses can create a positive working culture and provide employees with the support they need to remain healthy and productive.
Be Mindful of These Pitfalls
It is important to remember that mental health in the workplace should be approached with care and sensitivity. Employers should be mindful of any potential pitfalls, such as stigmatization or discrimination of employees. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that any mental health initiatives are tailored to the needs of each individual employee. By taking these precautions, employers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that looks after both their employees and their business.
By following the above steps and ensuring that mental health is taken seriously in the workplace, businesses can create an environment where employees feel supported and valued. This can in turn lead to improved productivity, stronger relationships between colleagues, and overall better mental wellbeing for everyone involved. It is therefore essential for employers to take proactive steps in order to ensure that their employees are looked after, both physically and mentally. Doing so will help create a healthier workplace environment and lead to increased productivity, which can benefit both the business itself as well as its employees. With the right support and resources, businesses can create a positive working culture and provide employees with the support they need to remain healthy and productive.