Employees that feel happy and well are more likely to be engaged and productive in their work.
The employer has a duty to create a work environment that is physically and psychologically safe and inclusive for staff. At the same time, employees are encouraged to take advantage of initiatives designed to support their mental health. According to the World Health Organization, for every $1 spent on mental health treatment, there is a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.
For mental health to be normalized and ingrained into the culture, companies should take these steps:
/ Assess the existing company culture, determine how many employees may be at risk of burnout, and identify the main causes of stress by conducting an anonymous wellness survey.
/ Upskill managers and company leaders with mental health training or compassionate
leadership training. 96% of employees believe empathy leads to higher employee retention.
/ Offer flexible scheduling – be it the option to work from home some days or accommodate work hours to suit individual employee needs. According to a Conference Board study, 70% of respondents felt that flexible work policies had supported their mental health.
/ Focus on outcomes versus hours worked. For example, don’t focus so much on whether salaried employees are meeting their 40 hours per week, but rather on their work output.
/ Acknowledge and praise employees when they perform well 🎉
/ Ensure mental health care coverage is included in your health care package. Likewise,
offer subscriptions to apps that can help manage one’s mental health.
/ If your company’s goal is to champion mental health or prioritize employee well-being,
ensure leaders are modeling these values through their own behavior.
/ Normalize and destigmatize discussing mental health and personal life at work. According to a study conducted by Ginger on workforce attitudes toward mental health, 88% of employees appreciate it when leaders talk about their own mental health.
/ Equip your employees with the knowledge and resources they need to care for their own wellbeing. For example, health and well-being workshops can train your staff in managing stress or healthy eating.
/ Provide plenty of opportunities for employees to build relationships with each other, for example, through fun team-building activities or a month-long workplace health challenge. According to the Conference Board study, 48% found activities for social wellness and belonging helpful for their mental well-being.
Written by FitPros Speaker, Adeola Mead. Adeola is a Naturopathic Physician with 15 years of clinical experience who provides integrative wellness programs to help improve physical and mental/emotional resilience.
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