Employee wellness in the workplace: How employers can prioritize mental health

In recent years, companies have started to prioritize employee wellness as they realize the importance of maintaining a healthy and happy workforce. While initiatives such as gym memberships and healthy eating options have been implemented to promote physical health, mental health is often overlooked. However, it is paramount for employers to prioritize mental health in the workplace to ensure the well-being of their employees.

Mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to work. Studies by the Mental Health Foundation reveal that poor mental health costs UK employers nearly £35 billion annually due to sickness and absenteeism. Additionally, the World Health Organization predicts that mental health issues will be the leading cause of sickness absence in the world by 2030.

Employers can prioritize mental health by creating a culture that supports mental health, offering training to managers, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). By creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues without fear of stigma and reprisals, employers can develop a supportive culture to help employees with their mental health issues. Training managers to recognize the signs of mental health issues and providing support for their employees will help achieve this.

EAPs provide employees with access to confidential counseling services that can help them manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Employers can also provide resources like mental health apps, podcasts, and online resources that offer mindfulness exercises and meditation as another way to support mental health.

Flexible working arrangements can reduce burnout and mitigate stress levels. Employers can offer telecommuting and flextime to help their employees manage their workload and maintain their mental well-being. Mental health days as part of their sick leave policy can also help employees take time off when they need it.

Finally, employers can prioritize mental health in the workplace by regularly assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of their initiatives. Monitoring employee feedback, measuring engagement levels, and tracking mental health indicators, such as absenteeism rates, can help identify what is and isn’t working, allowing employers to adjust their initiatives’ effectiveness.

By prioritizing mental health in the workplace, employers can maintain a happy and healthy workforce. Developing a supportive culture, implementing EAPs, providing resources such as mental health apps, podcasts, and online resources, and offering flexible working arrangements and mental health days can help employees manage their mental health and create a positive, productive work environment.