Mental Health Matters: Creating Awareness in the Workplace

Mental health, once brushed aside or whispered about in hushed tones, is moving to the forefront of organizational discourse. Why? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults grapples with a mental health condition, navigating the balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

Mental health is not just a matter of individual struggle—it is a collective concern that reverberates throughout an organization. Job performance and productivity, employee engagement, and daily functioning diminish due to poor mental health. Cognitive performance can be reduced by as much as 35 percent and other health risks can increase as negative coping tactics such as smoking, obesity, or substance abuse proliferate. A large body of research has revealed that untreated mental illness’ costs businesses billions in lost productivity annually, underscoring the crucial role mental health plays in shaping the success of our workplaces.

The Role of Employers in Supporting Mental Health

Creating a culture of caring and support can help employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues and seeking help when needed, but the biggest obstacle is often getting employees to utilize the services provided. Eight in ten workers say shame and stigma prevent them from seeking treatment for a mental health condition.

Employers can also provide resources and training to managers to help them recognize and respond to mental health concerns. The Mind the Workplace Report by Mental Health America found that managerial support strongly correlates with positive employee mental health outcomes.

By promoting mental health awareness and providing support, employers can help employees improve their mental health and well-being, which can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and engagement.

How Organizations Can Support Employee Mental Health

• Promote Mental Health Awareness: Encourage open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma, which is often the biggest hurdle to employees utilizing resources and support provided by their employer.
• Provide Training for Managers: Train managers to recognize signs of mental distress in their team members and equip them with the skills to offer support and make appropriate referrals to resources. Managerial support is one of the most critical factors in increasing awareness around mental health at work.
• Provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Provide educational resources and training to help employees recognize signs of mental health issues and know where to seek support. Offer confidential counseling services, either in-house or through a third-party provider, to support employees dealing with personal or work-related issues.
• Offer Mental Health Benefits: Provide comprehensive mental health benefits, including coverage for therapy, counseling, psychiatric services, and prescription medications. Ensure these benefits are accessible and affordable for all employees.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work hours or remote work options to accommodate employees' mental health needs, such as attending therapy appointments or managing stress.
• Encourage Work-Life Balance: Set clear boundaries around work hours and workload expectations. Encourage employees to take regular breaks, use their vacation days, and prioritize self-care outside of work.
• Normalize Taking Mental Health Days: Encourage employees to take time off when needed for mental health reasons without fear of judgment or repercussions. Communicate that mental health is as important as physical health.
• Lead by Example: Senior leaders should prioritize their own mental health and demonstrate healthy work habits. This sets a positive example for employees and reinforces the organization's commitment to mental well-being.

By implementing these strategies, employers can create a supportive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to prioritize their mental health. When mental health is a priority, everyone wins.

Awareness and Action in the Workplace

By focusing on mental health awareness and action, organizations can improve employee engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction, while also reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace. When mental health awareness combines with action in the workplace, employee well-being and organizational success flourish.