The Top 5 Things Your Business Can Do For The Mental Health of Your Employees
As the world focused on masks, vaccines, and therapeutics to address the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing mental health crisis emerged. According to a 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open, comprehensive, employer-sponsored online mental health benefit programs resulted in 25% fewer missed work days and a 24% increase in productivity. To be good citizens — and to keep workplace productivity humming — companies must invest in employee mental health support.
Why We Need Employee Mental Health Support
The mental health crisis is real. According to the CDC, in 2019, nearly 1 in 5 adults reported a mental health condition. Nearly 59% of respondents to an Harvard Business Review survey had symptoms of mental health disease that same year. Post-pandemic, almost 76% of respondents to the same HBR survey have at least one symptom of a mental health condition.
In healthcare, the problem is even greater. Nearly 400 physicians commit suicide each year, and more than 62% of nurses and 42% of doctors feel burned out.
According to the Third Annual Workforce Attitudes Toward Mental Health Report by the on demand mental health care company, Ginger, there is a gap between how much CEOs think they are doing to help address the mental health crisis and what workers believe their employers are doing. Specifically, while 96% of CEO overwhelmingly think they are doing enough to support the mental health of their employees, only 69% of employees said their employers are doing enough.
So, what can be done? Here are five things businesses can do to ensure they provide adequate employee mental health support.
1. Invest in Mental Health Programs to Increase Access
Companies must review their employee benefits to ensure those benefits are creating a positive, supportive environment, meeting the needs of their employees, and providing the best possible experience.
Start by reviewing your company's health insurance plans. Companies are the primary source of healthcare access in the United States, with employer-based health insurance being the bulk of that access. Employers should review their current plans to ensure they are providing adequate coverage and look for ways to improve and expand the coverage.
Additionally, employers should review their employee assistance programs (EAP) to ensure they provide the necessary support. EAPs provide employees with access to counseling and other support services, so employers should review their services and consider expanding their offerings.
Employers also should offer access to mental health awareness programs and offer regular mental health check-ins at work.
2. Getting Rid of the "Stupid Stuff"
Employee mental health is a vital factor in the success of any business. With the right approach, employers can create an environment that supports the mental health of their employees and leads to improved morale and productivity.
One way to do achieve this goal is to eliminate any meaningless, bureaucratic rules that may be in place. This list could include unnecessary paperwork, long-winded processes, or meetings that are not productive or do not provide value. Employers also should investigate how to use AI or other technology to take care low-value tasks.
Removing this clutter allows employees to focus on the work they were hired to do rather than spending time dealing with non-essential tasks, freeing up their schedule and mental capacity for more important endeavors and leading to better performance and an improved work environment.
3. Reduce the Stigma of Mental Health by Creating a Culture of Openness
There is still a heavy stigma around mental healthcare in the United States and employees often worry about the consequences of sharing their feelings with their colleagues and supervisors.
Creating a psychologically safe space for workers is an essential step to normalizing professional well-being and mental health. Think of it this way. When someone is physically ill and is required to be away from work, leaders and colleagues usually support the individual in their time of need. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for mental health issues.
Employers must open the lines of communication between themselves and their employees. This step means listening to employee feedback, allowing two-way dialogue, and creating a safe space for employees to voice their concerns.
Here are four other practical steps recommended by Benenden Health:
Create a mental health policy
Provide access to a 24/7 confidential helpline
Ensure a good work/life balance (see above!)
Introduce mental health training so managers can recognize the signs of mental distress and be prepared to take action when needed
By creating this safe space, employees can feel comfortable discussing their mental health and feel supported when they need it the most.
4. Implement DEI Initiatives
Depression, anxiety, and burnout know no race, color, or creed.
Organizations must prioritize diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to foster a healthier work environment and improve employee mental health. DEI initiatives can help create a sense of belonging for employees who may otherwise feel excluded or discriminated against.
Such initiatives can include education and training on unconscious bias, anti-harassment policies and procedures, and the implementation of diversity recruitment and retention programs.
Organizations can also use DEI initiatives to benefit the communities they serve. For example, they can use their purchasing power to support local businesses owned by underrepresented groups or partner with nonprofits to support educational and mentorship programs.
Such initiatives not only help to create a favorable external image, but also give employees a sense of pride in their work and the organization for which they work.
5. Improve PTO Policies
An easy and effective way to support employee mental health is by improving paid time off (PTO) policies. Long hours lead to burnout and exhaustion.
By offering generous PTO policies, employers can give their employees much-needed rest and relaxation.
Additionally, organizations should consider implementing flexible scheduling, remote work opportunities, and mental health days.
Time to Invest in Employee Mental Health Support
As leaders, we want our colleagues to feel safe and supported in their workplace. Investing in employee mental health support is essential to creating an environment that encourages people to take care of their own well-being.
And creating a mentally healthy workplace is the key to the success of any organization. If your workers are burnt out or struggling in some other way, your bottom line will benefit by making it your responsibility to prioritize mental health initiatives.
Creating healthier work environments helps people — and businesses — thrive.
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Article written by Adam Brown
