Prioritizing mental health in the workplace: 6 key strategies for employers

Leaders who take proactive measures and invest in their team’s mental health see benefits including increased productivity, employee engagement and retention, plus overall organizational success.

The evolving landscape of the modern workplace demands that employers recognize and address the crucial issue of mental health. It has become increasingly essential for organizations to prioritize the well-being of their employees. Mental health concerns not only affect individual workers but can also impact productivity, employee engagement, employee retention and overall organizational success.

Here are six key considerations employers must be mindful of in order to prioritize mental health in the workplace.

1. Foster a culture of openness and support

Creating a workplace culture that encourages open communication and support is paramount in promoting mental well-being. Employers should prioritize destigmatizing mental health issues by openly discussing the subject, providing resources and implementing policies that promote a supportive environment. Leaders whose companies encourage employees to share their concerns, offer employee assistance programs and conduct mental health awareness training contribute to fostering a culture that values and supports mental health.

2. Offer flexible work arrangements and work-life balance

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work in addition to flexible or hybrid arrangements. Organizations that are able to do so should consider continuing to embrace these practices, recognizing their positive impact on mental health. Flexibility allows employees to achieve a healthier work-life balance, reduce stress and better manage personal responsibilities. Employers should consider implementing policies that offer flexible working hours, remote work options and extended parental leave to promote employee well-being.

3. Address burnout and overwork

It’s no secret that burnout has become increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced work environments. Employers must prioritize strategies to address burnout, which can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates. Implementing measures such as setting realistic workloads, encouraging regular breaks and promoting time off (where employees can completely and safely log off) can help impede burnout.

Companies should establish boundaries that prevent work from encroaching on personal time. Company leaders should also take proactive steps to foster a culture that promotes self-care and stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or wellness programs.

4. Enhance mental health benefits and support

Providing comprehensive mental health benefits and support can significantly contribute to employees’ well-being. This may include increasing mental health coverage, providing access to counseling services, and offering resources for self-help and mental wellness tools. Additionally, partnering with mental health organizations and professionals can strengthen the support system available to employees. Some telehealth programs offer unlimited mental health appointments at a very reasonable cost.

5. Train managers and leaders in mental health

Managers and leaders play a critical role in promoting mental health in the workplace. Employers should prioritize training programs that equip managers with the necessary skills to recognize signs of mental distress, provide support and direct employees to appropriate resources. Such programs help foster a more compassionate and understanding work environment where employees feel comfortable seeking assistance when they need it.

6. Provide regular check-ins and feedback

Regular check-ins and feedback sessions are essential for maintaining a positive work environment and supporting employees’ mental health. Company leaders should encourage managers to schedule regular one-on-one meetings with employees to discuss their well-being, workload, and any challenges they may be facing. This open dialogue allows for early intervention and support, ensuring that employees feel valued and supported.

Prioritizing mental well-being not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to the overall success and productivity of your organization. By fostering a culture of openness, supporting work-life balance, addressing burnout, enhancing mental health benefits, training managers, and conducting regular check-ins, employers can create a positive and supportive work environment for their employees.

It is crucial for employers to take proactive measures and invest in the mental health of their workforce, as this will lead to happier, healthier and more engaged employees for now and into the future.

This article was written by Entrepreneurs’ Organization from Inc. and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.

Read More: 3 Ways Employers Can Reimagine Workplace Mental Health Benefits