Best Practices to Support Employee Mental Health

Recent years have proven that stress can have adverse effects on the quality of life. A survey implemented by Qualtrics and SAP revealed that, since the pandemic began, 67 percent of Americans reported experiencing more stress, 57 percent reported higher anxiety levels and 53 percent experienced emotional exhaustion.

Employees are gaining confidence and are no longer shy about letting employers know what they want from their careers. This means benefits. Importance is placed on health insurance, flexibility, work-life balance and employers who show they care.

It’s time to take strides in the workplace and improve how organizations approach mental health to support their employees.

1. Foster Mental Health Awareness in the Office

Mental health is not a subject that should be silenced in the office. Employers need to work to break down the barriers that hinder mental health discussions. Normalizing mental health and mental illness conversations encourage employees to reach out when struggling. Promoting employee assistance programs, encouraging social support groups and providing resource assistance can make all the difference.

2. Provide More Flexible Schedules

One of the most significant benefits that employees look for in a workplace is flexibility. The typical nine-to-five jobs are no longer the norm. More employers offer flextime, hybrid work options and more generous paid time off. Flexible schedules allow employees to have better work-life balance, less stress and better job satisfaction.

3. Address Workplace Stress

Chronic stress can cause fatigue, irritability and health problems. With 80 percent of Americans considering their jobs stressful, employers should actively reduce or resolve

employees’ stressors. Encouraging managers to create clear lines of communication with employees will reduce uncertainty within job roles and allow employees to discuss their workloads with ease. Organizations should implement zero-toleration policies for bullying, discrimination or other harmful behaviors. Companies can improve their culture and foster safety for their employees by doing so.

4. Evaluate Your Benefit Offerings

Companies should ensure that employees’ current health plans include resources for mental health. Employees may have more access to resources and help if needed by reviewing benefit offerings. Companies have also implemented employee discounts for stress-relief measures such as massages, acupuncture or gym memberships.

5. Provide Mental Health Training for Managers

Proper management training regarding mental health can help reduce the stigma around the topic. When managers can view potential causes of excess stress or recognize symptoms in employees, they are better equipped to address solutions with employees.