Supporting Employee Well-being and Mental Health

Why Focus on Mental Health?

From a disruptive global pandemic, to lack of work-life balance, unsatisfactory wages, and looming layoffs, corporate Americans are more burnt out than ever. We know the feeling all too well: exhaustion from feeling over-worked and under-appreciated, missing out on life events, and working off the clock. Workplace stressors, if not handled with care, can manifest into serious mental health and wellness challenges. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to prioritize ways we can support employee well-being and mental health.

Employees are the heart of your organization. They’re the people-powerhouse you rely on to drive success. When workers are burnt out or feeling unsupported, they simply don’t have the capacity to put their best foot forward. This can result in low morale, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. But by being proactive, companies can create a positive environment where employees know they’re supported, valued, and safe.

So, Where Do We Start?

We know there’s no such thing as a perfect workplace. So what can we do to support our employees through it all?

Fostering a positive workplace culture starts with prioritizing mental health. It starts with having a blueprint for a sustainable support system. The Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being is an excellent place to start. This presents five vital pillars based on human needs which support employee satisfaction:

Protection from Harm: Ensure physical and psychological safety in the workplace for a sense of security. Establish clear policies, accessible resources, and reporting systems that empower employees to speak up without fear.
Opportunity for Growth: Offer opportunities for development with training programs, mentorship, and constructive feedback. These avenues provide motivation and build a sense of accomplishment amongst employees.
Connection and Community: Foster an inclusive, people-oriented environment by encouraging teamwork, hosting team activities, and more. Strengthening workplace relationships enhances emotional support and creates a sense of belonging.
Mattering at Work: People have purpose, and need to be assured of that in their workplace. Celebrate individuals’ accomplishments and growth, and watch your employees thrive with a sense of self-security and motivation.
Work-Life Harmony: People thrive with autonomy and flexibility. Integrate benefits and policies to encourage employees to have flexibility and strong work-life boundaries.

Be transparent about addressing the mental health needs of the company, and model healthy work habits. We know it’s an ongoing process, but when well-being becomes a shared goal, it’s far more successful in the long run. Let these basic principles act as building blocks towards investing in and promoting long-term solutions for employee wellness.

Let’s Build Something Positive!

Honoring your employees’ mental health and wellness is not only good for them, but also good for business. A healthy workplace culture results in higher productivity, engagement, resilience, and supports long-term retention. This year, let’s nourish happy, healthy workplaces together, and build a lasting positive impact.