Boosting Mental Wellness at Work: 5 Practical Strategies

September is Suicide Prevention Month, so I think it's critical to have conversations about mental awareness.

We hear about "enhancing mental health in the workplace" constantly, but few companies have mastered it.

Is it possible to build a thriving workplace where mental health isn't just acknowledged but prioritized?

As an executive coach, I firmly believe we can – and must - create healthier, more supportive work environments. The cost of ignoring mental health in the workplace is significant – impacting productivity, employee engagement, and a company's bottom line.

Understanding the Scope of Workplace Mental Health

First, it's crucial to recognize that "mental health" encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences. It's not just about serious conditions like major depressive disorders, though these are increasingly common.

Mental health also includes an employee's stress level, risk factors for burnout, anxiety, and the ability to cope with everyday work challenges. All of these can affect how people perform, collaborate, and contribute to their company's success.

Consider that, according to the World Health Organization, poor mental health costs the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. In the US alone, an estimated 200 million workdays are lost each year due to mental health issues.

That's a powerful indicator of why promoting mental health in the workplace is not just "a nice thing to do" but a business imperative.

Practical Strategies for Enhancing Mental Health in the Workplace

So, how do we move from awareness to action? Here's a closer look at practical strategies that address mental health for employees:

1. Cultivate a Culture of Open Communication

Many employees still hesitate to discuss their mental health concerns openly. Why? Stigma remains a huge barrier, along with fears of being perceived as weak or unreliable.

It's up to leaders to set the tone. This starts with fostering a healthy work environment where open communication is valued and encouraged. It also involves normalizing conversations around well-being, similar to how we discuss physical health.

Training programs for leaders and managers can help them respond effectively and empathetically when employees disclose mental health challenges. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are also valuable, providing confidential support and resources for those struggling.

2. Promote Work-Life Balance

The always-on work culture fueled by technology makes it tempting to blur boundaries. However, encouraging employees to establish firm boundaries between their work life and personal life is vital to reducing mental health symptoms.

Promoting flexible work arrangements whenever possible is a step in the right direction. For example, flexible working hours allow people greater autonomy over their schedules. Think about unlimited PTO policies or establishing clear expectations around after-hours communication.

These actions go a long way toward showing your team that you value their well-being outside of the office. Remember, burned-out employees aren't engaged – or productive. A little flexibility can significantly impact mental health in the workplace and your bottom line.

3. Foster Social Connections and Support

Loneliness and isolation are rising, and they affect employees. Companies should proactively create opportunities for meaningful social interactions to combat these issues and improve mental health.

Think about team-building activities, virtual coffee breaks, or even dedicated social spaces in the office. Anything that fosters a sense of community can make a difference. This is especially important for improving mental health in the workplace when your workforce is remote.

Building social connections becomes even more crucial with remote or hybrid work models. Regularly checking in with your team members, scheduling virtual team events, and actively promoting a sense of belonging from afar are vital.

4. Prioritize Physical Health and Wellbeing

Good mental health goes hand-in-hand with physical health. There's a well-established link between the gut-brain axis, so it's unsurprising that taking care of our gut can positively impact mental health, reducing anxiety and boosting mood.

Encourage your team to adopt a healthy workout habit, incorporate mindfulness practices into their workday, or access mental health resources and health services when needed. It is advisable for employers to provide mental health benefits as part of their health benefits package.

Even small changes to one's routine, like going for a walk during lunch or joining a meditation app, can produce long-term benefits for workers' health.

5. Champion Meaningful Work

Employees thrive when they feel a sense of purpose in their work. This can do wonders for their mental health. When possible, offer opportunities for growth, development, and taking on new challenges to boost overall mental well-being.

Don't forget the importance of recognition. When your employees achieve great things, acknowledge and celebrate those wins. Recognition can make employees feel valued, which can improve mental health.

Building a mentally healthy workplace is a journey, not a destination. It demands ongoing attention, adaptation, and a willingness to evolve alongside your employees' needs. However, the investment is always worth it. After all, your company's success hinges upon the well-being of your most valuable asset: your people.

Conclusion

Enhancing mental health in the workplace must be a shared responsibility across all levels of an organization. It's time to ditch the stigma surrounding mental health and cultivate supportive, empathetic environments where everyone can thrive.

This approach is essential to building sustainable and fulfilling work lives for working-age adults. As we move forward, we must remember that good mental health is not just the absence of mental health conditions; it's about creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to bring their best selves to work.

NAMI has created this toolkit to support mental health champions in promoting Suicide Prevention Month. We encourage you to use these resources in your workplace's promotion and awareness efforts or refer them to your HR department.

If you think all this is a great idea but just don't have the time, fill out the form below to access our Ultimate Time Management Guide for Busy Leaders.