How Can Employers Help Promote Mental Health?
Mental health has become increasingly more important, and whether or not employers notice, the psychological wellness of employees affects how efficiently their business runs. Many employees struggling with depression miss work days or have days of reduced productivity due to their mental health. According to a report from the CDC, 18.8 million American adults suffer from depression in a given year, and in a three-month time span, people with depression miss an average of 4.8 workdays and suffer 11.5 days of reduced productivity. Despite these alarming numbers, many employees who struggle have yet to seek help. It is largely due to the fact that mental health is a very personal issue, which makes it harder for many people to talk about it. So how can you as an employer take steps to promote the mental health of your employees?
Recognize The Need.
The most important thing for employers is to acknowledge the need for the implementation of mental health awareness in the work environment. It is common for employers to overlook the mental health of their employees and its impact because it is rarely discussed. As awareness increases, people tend to feel more comfortable talking about their mental health and, in turn, are more likely to get help.
Spread Awareness and Create a Conducive Environment.
It is crucial for employees to feel comfortable and safe in the workplace. As an employer, it is your responsibility to build a conducive environment for your staff. Reducing the stigma of mental illness and creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health should be an organization’s top priority. By doing so, an organization can ensure the overall wellbeing of its present and future workforce.
Encourage Work-Life Balance.
One of the biggest influences on mental health is when employees are overworked - causing anxiety and stress. Having mobile workstations, open spaces, and recreational outlets can encourage your employees to unwind and take breaks to relax. In addition, implementing an occasional work from home policy has helped employees manage their work-life balance better. By taking steps to reduce stress, productivity increases, and the mental wellness of employees improves.
Hire a Professional.
Research has shown that having on-sight clinicians or counselors can encourage mental health, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity. Hiring professional help will also show your employees that you care about their mental health, which will improves the environment of the workplace.
To successfully promote mental health in the workplace, it is important to implement practical solutions that benefit the organization as a whole. By simply addressing mental health issues can boost employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
