October 10 is known around the globe as World Mental Health Day. This year, the World Federation for Mental Health has announced the official theme, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” The momentum to address employee mental health has been growing for some time. Gallup estimates that employee mental health issues cost the U.S. economy a whopping $47.6 annually. In addition, 40% of workers say their jobs have a somewhat negative or extremely negative impact on their mental health.
Making employee mental health a strategic priority starts with companies offering robust benefits. Some examples include mental health coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, lifestyle management programs, drug rehabilitation and stress management courses. Here are five more ways leaders can champion mental health at work.
Establish Open Two-Way Communication
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, psychological well-being is a very high priority for employees. However, 43% of respondents worry that if they told their employer about a mental health issue, it would negatively impact them at work. To allay these fears, leaders should be candid about their own mental health challenges. Establish an open-door policy, so your team feels comfortable coming to you for advice. When those in power are vulnerable and transparent, it helps reduce the stigma and encourages workers to be candid themselves. Sharing real mental health stories is another powerful strategy. An example is the Barclays “This Is Me” campaign, which encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work. Through videos, photos, articles and posters, colleagues share their personal accounts to increase mental health awareness at work.
Provide Mental Health Education And Training
Managers have a greater impact on mental health than doctors and therapists. That’s according to a survey of 3,400 people in 10 countries by the Workforce Institute at UKG. Even more surprising, 69% of respondents say managers have just as much impact on their mental health as their spouses. Given their critical leadership role, supervisors deserve mental health training. In addition to creating a supportive environment, educating managers on recognizing the warning signs of mental illness can help reduce absenteeism and turnover. In addition, training employees on mental health concerns helps increase awareness around common disorders such as burnout, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse. Some companies, like Unilever, are training members of their workforce to become mental health advocates. Since 2020, the company has empowered almost 4,000 employees globally to offer non-judgmental assistance to those who need support.
Incorporate Nature In The Workplace
According to research findings on “micro-nature,” published in Harvard Business Review, infusing nature at work improves performance, well-being and creativity. The study’s authors suggest incorporating natural light, windows with nature views, plants (real or artificial) or indoor water features in an office environment. Even nature-inspired artwork, photographs, videos and murals can be inspiring. Promoting a healthy lifestyle also involves benefiting from company-sponsored outdoor activities like bikeshare programs, fitness classes and wellness retreats. Finally, flexible work hours allow employees to work remotely in outdoor locations. Flexible schedules also benefit individuals during Daylight saving time when seasonal affective disorder impacts millions of Americans annually.
Cultivate Psychological Safety
A key component of well-being at work is employees feeling comfortable voicing their opinions and challenging the status quo, known as psychological safety. When psychological safety is present, employees are encouraged to share ideas without fearing judgment or negative consequences. Not only does it help foster a diverse and inclusive environment, but it also boosts performance and retention. It is such a highly valued concept that in one McKinsey survey, 89% of employee respondents said they believed that psychological safety at work is crucial. There are many steps leaders can take to foster a psychologically safe environment:
- Listen to employees and their needs
- Encourage peer-to-peer recognition
- Foster open communication by soliciting input
- Show appreciation when people speak up
- Reframe mistakes as learning experiences
When leaders set the right tone, teams feel included, engaged and free to be their authentic selves.
Implement Workload Management Strategies
Unmanageable workloads are often a primary cause of work-related stress and overwhelm. To avoid employee burnout, leaders can introduce specific strategies:
- Set clear expectations
- Establish achievable goals and targets
- Engage in resource management and capacity planning
- Use automation to increase efficiency
- Encourage healthy boundary-setting
- Help your team prioritize the most critical tasks
- Monitor work hours to ensure employees aren’t chronically overworking
Effective workload management is essential to protecting employee mental health. By ensuring your team is empowered to be effective and efficient, you’ll set them up for success.
Employees who feel supported in their mental health are more likely to be engaged, creative and productive. Understand your team’s challenges and ensure your strategy addresses their needs. By prioritizing the well-being of your workforce, you’ll foster a positive culture, retain top talent and accelerate business growth.