Employee mental health has become a prominent and important topic of discussion lately. According to a recent survey from The Conference Board, 34% of U.S. workers say their mental health is declining and cite long hours and excessive workloads as the core factors. 

An employees’ engagement and productivity heavily rely on the state of their mental health, neglecting it can lead to burnout and a decrease in work performance. As an employer, taking the initiative to promote mental wellness within the workplace is crucial. This blog post will review five tips employers can use to prioritize mental health and encourage employee mental wellbeing.

Provide Mental Health Resources

Employee wellness is often overlooked, but many resources are available to help. Providing access to mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or therapy can help employees manage stress, anxiety, and depression. If the cost of such programs is too high, consider partnering with community mental health providers or negotiating discounted rates.

Employers should actively work to destigmatize mental health issues in the workplace. Creating an open and supportive environment for employees to discuss their mental health without fear of judgment or repercussions is essential. Offering workshops, seminars, or webinars to educate employees on the signs and symptoms of mental illness can help foster understanding and create an open dialogue about mental health in the workplace. This helps to curate a culture of compassion and respect for one another.

Allow Flexible Work Schedules

Flexible schedules can do wonders in mental wellness. Allowing employees to work remotely or to set their working schedules helps to create a better work-life balance for them. This gives employees more time to care for themselves and their families and fit work around their lifestyle. According to Forbes, having a flexible work schedule can lead to a decrease in absenteeism and an overall improvement in work performance. 

Employees with more control over their work schedules tend to be more satisfied with their jobs, more committed to their organizations, and experience less stress than those who don’t. This is because flexible schedules can help employees manage their workloads more effectively, leading to better mental health and increased productivity.

Encourage Breaks

Breaks are crucial for maintaining good mental health, and it’s important for employers to actively encourage employees to take them. There are many ways to promote taking breaks within the workplace. For instance, providing healthy snacks in the break room can incentivize people to take a few minutes to recharge and refuel. Encouraging employees to take walks during the day is a great way to improve both their physical and mental health. 

Leading by example is also an effective way to promote taking breaks. As an employer, make sure to take your own breaks as well, and encourage your employees to do the same. They will learn how to better prioritize their own health if they see you setting an example of making it a priority. By creating a culture of self-care and promoting the importance of taking breaks, you can help foster a healthy and productive workplace. 

Acknowledge Accomplishments

Employees appreciate acknowledgment for their hard work. Recognize and reward employees who go above and beyond. Proper recognition not only boosts their confidence but also promotes team morale. There are many ways to show appreciation, such as giving bonuses, gift cards, or even a sincere shoutout during a company meeting. 

Being genuine when acknowledging employees for their achievements is essential. By doing so, you can create a positive work environment that fosters a culture of teamwork and productivity. Remember, a little appreciation goes a long way!

Promote Work-Life Balance

Promoting work-life balance is an essential aspect of overall employee wellbeing. With the lines between work and home constantly blurred, it’s crucial to have policies in place to ensure employees can have a life outside the office. Providing employees with a reasonable amount of vacation time, offering paid parental leave, or simply encouraging employees to take a day off are all great ways to show that you are invested in their overall wellness. 

These policies can go a long way in helping employees feel valued, supported, and appreciated, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Remember, taking care of your employees is a wise investment that pays dividends in the long run.

 

Prioritizing Employee Mental Health Benefits Everyone

Focusing on employee wellness and mental health can improve overall company culture, including employee engagement and productivity. Providing resources like EAPs, implementing flexible schedules, and promoting work-life balance can lead to a happier and healthier workforce.

Small gestures like providing snacks and acknowledging accomplishments make a big difference as well. These initiatives will not only help with the causes of burnout but also help avoid it entirely. By taking these steps, you will have a happier and more engaged team, resulting in a more productive organization.

Interested in Additional Information?

Contact Chris Kelly at [email protected] for guidance on how to build a workplace of choice that helps you recruit and retain top talent.