The need for high-quality emotional support and mental health services for employees is rising. According to research, up to 70% of workers globally, representing a broad range of demographics, experience burnout on a regular basis, and work-life balance remains a major worry for workers.
94% of employees say they experience stress at work, and over one-third say their stress level is high to abnormally high, according to the American Institute of Stress.
Although stress is just one component of mental health, this figure highlights a common problem: the need to enhance workers’ mental health at work.
Ten years ago, employee mental health was largely ignored, but the amount of research now available demonstrates how vital it is for businesses to operate at peak efficiency.
What then is the root of this issue in corporate mental health? Actually, there are many different aspects to the mental health dilemma.
Interpersonal connections, the difficulty of striking a real work-life balance, feelings of loneliness and disconnection, the pressure to adjust to new technology and changing job positions, and any combination of these factors might be present.
Furthermore, there are many changes and enhancements you can make to support your staff and turn your business into a place where people want to work, stay, and invite others to join.
If your employees’ mental health is suffering, you don’t necessarily have to feel bad about it.
Here are some practical strategies to enhance workers’ mental health:
Cover copays for mental health
Encouraging workers to prioritize their mental health requires removing obstacles to care.
Saj Munir, owner of Chortlon Fireworks recommends the following: “Paying for copays for mental health services not only eases the financial load but also significantly reduces stigma.
In order to preserve employee privacy, employers might provide an allowance in addition to basic pay and benefits.
Employees can use the money however they see appropriate, using it to pay for counseling, prescription drugs, and other mental health support services.
This strategy requires trust; you must invest the money and have faith that your staff will spend it wisely.
However, mental health patients may benefit from empowerment, choice, and trust; also, fostering a culture of trust can significantly boost employee work satisfaction.”
Provide access to wellness app subscriptions
Isla Sibanda, owner of Privacy Australia shares: “Preventive care is the key to providing your workers the greatest mental health assistance. This means attending to their needs before they become impacted by long-term stress, anxiety, depression, or drug abuse.
With health and meditation applications sweeping the IT industry, there are a ton of options available to assist staff in incorporating thoughtful moments into their daily schedules.
Both Headspace and Calm provide corporate solutions for companies looking to promote the mental wellness of their workers.
To provide their workers a physical outlet for stress management, several firms subsidize the cost of gym memberships or offer subscriptions to Peloton, Apple Fitness+, and Tonal.
Giving workers the chance to support their health holistically and treating the body, mind, and spirit as equal pillars of wellness would help them approach their health more equably and establish better habits that fit into their schedules.”
Give workers a wellness stipend
Ritika Asrani, the owner of St Maarten Real Estate tells us: “An employer can establish an employee wellness fund to provide financial support to improve the health and well-being of its staff members.
Typically, this kind of money may be used to pay for things like hiring a personal trainer, having a massage, enrolling in CrossFit programs, or attending yoga classes that are associated with mental health and general well-being.
How to put this into practice to assist staff members’ mental health: Consider the size of the organization, the budget, and other criteria when determining the stipend amount.
Additionally, make sure your staff members are aware of the specifics, set up a method for monitoring spending, and ask them to regularly examine and assess the employee wellness program.
There are even stipend services that may assist you with managing this program if you need assistance getting started.”
Distribute questionnaires to staff members to find out more about what is and is not working
As several studies have shown, keeping tabs on your friends’ mental health may significantly improve it; similarly, keeping tabs on your staff can have a similar effect.
How? Employee surveys are useful in this situation.
This tool works well for gathering information while providing staff members with the privacy and comfort they need to feel comfortable answering honestly.
After you have these insights, you can collaborate with your management team to optimize the work environment for optimum employee happiness by making any required improvements.
How to put this into practice to assist staff members’ mental health: Make use of an employee survey tool or program for employee feedback. That is the simplest method to use this strategy.
You should anticipate better productivity, higher engagement, better retention, and improved communication as indicators of the effectiveness of the technology you have selected.
Fill your scene with more vegetation
Carl Jensen, owner of Compare Banks shares: “Adding indoor flora to your desk, whether you choose bright blooming plants or lush greens, may benefit your employees.
Numerous studies have shown the potential of indoor plants to lower stress levels, increase output, and enhance focus. They may also enhance indoor air quality and have therapeutic benefits.”
Establish a wellness space
Another option is to designate a wellness or well-being area or corner as a special location for staff members to unwind and reduce stress. No meetings as a result!
There are many ways to devote a space to well-being, whether you design a wellness room or a peaceful nook. Consider adding plants, soft lighting, and calming hobbies like reading materials, stress balls, and coloring books to the area.
