More than 1 in 5 adults have a mental health challenge. Although it used to be a taboo topic, mental health is now a growing conversation in workplaces across the globe — and the signs are crystal clear that fostering a supportive and understanding environment is essential for the well-being of every member of the workforce. It's time for workplaces to embrace this dialogue, prioritize mental health, and pave the way for a culture of compassion and support. Doing so not only benefits employees, but also paves the way for organizational success.
The Case for Mental Wellness: Understanding the Need for Incorporating Mental Health Strategies in Corporate Wellness Programs
The case for mental health support in corporate wellness programs is both compelling and urgent. Research has consistently proven that mental wellness programs can significantly improve productivity and increase engagement rates while also boosting morale. And yet, only about a quarter of employees feel that their employers actually care about their well-being.
Only a quarter of employees feel their employer cares about their well-being. Image Source
However, businesses that implement a wellness program benefit from reduced absenteeism and presenteeism. When employees feel supported and valued, they’re more satisfied with their jobs, which in turn can boost retention rates and help you attract top talent to gain a competitive edge.
Implementing Practical Strategies: 8 Tools and Techniques to Promote Mental Wellness in the Workplace
By incorporating these strategies as part of your mental wellness program, you can create a supportive and thriving work environment.
1. Promote Open Dialogue and Reduce Stigma
It’s common for employees to feel guilty when taking a sick day, especially if it’s because they need it for their mental health. This is due to the stigmatization around taking time off that is common in many industries and organizations. With half the workforce uncomfortable discussing their mental health at work, it’s time to start doing something about it. To reduce
this stigma, promote a healthy culture by reframing the narrative.
Encourage your employees to address their well-being needs and emphasize the importance of rest and relaxation. After all, when employees prioritize their mental health, they’re more likely to come back happier and more engaged at work.
2. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Do your employees work remotely or are they required to come into the office? Depending on individual preferences and the nature of your industry, adopting a flexible work policy might be worth exploring. Employees' needs vary and while some may prefer to work in-office for improved well-being, others may benefit from working remotely.
With this in mind, consider offering remote or hybrid work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. A flexible policy not only attracts talent but also empowers your employees to choose what suits them best — and it shows them that you care about their needs and you trust them to get their work done no matter where they work from.
3. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
While there’s no quick fix that can improve your employees’ mental health, there’s a growing number of resources and tools you can provide to help them. For example, you can offer wellness benefits and reimburse employees for leveraging tools like meditation or mindfulness apps. You can also invest in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide employees with counseling services that offer professional support for various personal and work-related challenges. In addition, wellness platforms and stress reduction programs, such as mindfulness workshops or on-site relaxation spaces, can significantly help employees manage stress.
4. Train Leadership on Emotional Intelligence
Since managers closely interact with employees, they can be a great resource in supporting your workers’ mental health. Because they frequently engage with employees, they can spot signs of stress, burnout, or mental illness — and if they’re trained to recognize symptoms, they’ll be more prepared to act with compassion and get employees the help they need so they can be well and productive and your business doesn’t suffer.
5. Conduct Regular Check-Ins and Surveys
Whether formal or informal, regular check-ins provide employees with the opportunity to express concerns and communicate any mental health issues. Carve out time for one-on-one meetings, where you can ask how they’re doing both personally and professionally. You can also conduct surveys to gather insights into specific stressors or challenges that your employees might be facing and tailor support programs and resources to address those unique needs. Surveys are also helpful to evaluate the effectiveness of existing mental health initiatives so you can identify areas for improvement.
6. Offer Workshops and Seminars
Workshops and seminars often provide a structured platform to educate employees about mental health and equip them with ideal coping strategies. They also encourage discussions to destigmatize health in the workplace, creating an open and supportive culture. Not only can workshops and seminars provide valuable insights but they can also serve as a forum for employees to share experiences and seek guidance, thereby creating a sense of community within the organization.
7. Emphasize Work-Life Balance
Working more than 40 hours a week can be stressful for anyone, especially when balancing personal commitments alongside demanding job responsibilities. A healthy work-life balance is essential for well-being — and it’s critical for an individual’s mental health. And yet, data from the 2023 APA Work in America survey reveals that only 40% of employees feel that their time off was respected, indicating that their work-life balance isn’t prioritized.
To solve this, lead by example. Start by demonstrating a commitment to work-life balance at all levels of the organization. When leaders prioritize their well-being, it sets a positive example for the entire workforce. And to prevent burnout, promote regular breaks throughout the workday and let employees know they’re entitled to time off when they need it. Be sure that workloads are manageable and realistic so employees don’t feel overwhelmed and stressed due to excessive demands.
8. Institute Mental Health Days
Mental health days are a great way for employees to recharge and de-stress. When your employees can take a step back from their job responsibilities to prioritize their mental health, they’re more likely to return to work energized, and thus will be more productive.
Power Your Corporate Wellness Program With CoreHealth
It’s no secret that a good corporate wellness program helps employees bring their best selves to work. And investing in your employees’ mental health is a great way to make sure they can do that.
CoreHealth’s wellness platform is designed to support your employees’ health journey. With a suite of science-based and validated assessments, we can address your employees’ needs — supporting their physical, mental, psychosocial, and financial well-being. We also offer digital lifestyle programs, well-being challenges, and a coaching program, along with an array of other features to help you build a comprehensive wellness program.
Start building (or redesigning) your corporate wellness program now — speak to one of our technology experts today!
If you found this article helpful, please share it on your social media channels!
Like what you’ve just read? Check out these related articles:
- The Latest Wellness Trends: What to Expect in the Health and Wellness Industry
- Strategies for Implementing Positive Psychology in Wellness Programs
- Promoting Resilience: 5 Tips for Managing Anxiety in the Workplace
