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Mental Health in the Workplace

May 30, 2023

How Companies Can Make a Difference 

by Morgan Bosse

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, companies are encouraged to prioritize employee mental health and well-being. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It’s clear that mental health is not just an individual concern, but a critical issue for organizations to address.

The fast-paced and demanding nature of today’s work environments often contributes to burnout, lack of motivation, and decreased employee productivity. However, by focusing on supporting mental health, companies have the power to create a healthier and more productive workplace for everyone involved. As U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, put it, “A healthy workforce is the foundation for thriving organizations and healthier communities.”

To dive deeper into how companies can support mental health, we recently conducted a poll asking individuals for their insights. The responses shed light on several effective strategies that companies can implement. Let’s explore some of these ideas:

Encourage Work-Life Balance

We all know how demanding work can be, and it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of tasks and deadlines. Take time for your mental health. Companies can promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging employees to take breaks, utilize their vacation time, and disconnect from work outside of working hours. Embracing flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid, can help employees balance their professional and personal lives. It’s crucial to recognize that an overworked and stressed employee is less likely to perform at their best or maintain good mental health.

Invest in Mental Health Training

Promoting mental health awareness in your company can help reduce the stigma and create a supportive work environment. Companies can promote mental health awareness through interactive workshops, training sessions, or webinars. These initiatives provide employees with essential knowledge about mental health issues as well as ways to manage stress and self-care strategies. Ensuring employees have the tools they need to navigate challenges will put them on the path to success and well-being.

Create a Supportive Work Environment

Imagine a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and safe to express their thoughts and emotions. Companies can cultivate a supportive work environment by building positive relationships and encouraging open communication. Provide managers with the necessary resources and training that help recognize signs of mental distress and offer appropriate employee support. Everyone has off days or weeks, but by recognizing and appreciating employee contributions, companies can significantly contribute to a healthier work environment.

Provide Accessible Mental Health Resources

Companies can proactively support their employees’ mental health by providing access to resources. One popular option is Employee Assistance Programs which offer counseling services and connect individuals with mental health professionals. Employers can collaborate with insurance providers to ensure comprehensive mental health coverage for their employees. Additionally, companies can explore partnerships with digital apps that prioritize employee well-being, such as meditation and yoga apps that help individuals manage and reduce stress by incorporating it into their daily routine.

Another great initiative is implementing a Wellbeing Reimbursement Program. This program enables employees to be reimbursed for eligible expenses related to their well-being, including home exercise equipment, ergonomic setups, and gym memberships. By initiating these strategies, companies can create a supportive environment for employees to invest in their mental and physical health.

Supporting employee mental health is not just the right thing to do; it’s also a smart business move. By implementing these four strategies into your business, companies can cultivate a workforce that is more engaged, productive, and loyal. Investing in employee mental health is essential in creating a positive workplace for them to succeed. By valuing employees and creating a mentally healthy workforce, companies demonstrate their commitment to their organization and position themselves for long-term success and growth.

Read more from Joulé: Hiring Challenges in Healthcare After the Pandemic

At Joulé, we believe our world is filled with possibilities – where character, integrity, and commitment drive our purpose. Operating at the forefront of the life sciences arena, Joulé’s relentless approach enables our clients to execute critical initiatives and significant projects rapidly and effectively. Joulé is a System One division.

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