Employee Mental Health: Is Your Company Doing Enough?

With the alarmingly high rates of stress, depression, anxiety, and other similar challenges in the U.S., you may not be surprised to learn that mental health is the leading source of workplace absenteeism. From fatigue and low energy to poor morale and decreased productivity, employees’ psychological health is likely a bigger deal than many employers recognize. 

When you stop to consider the impact employees’ mental health has on your company’s bottom line, it begs the question: is your company doing enough to help employees with their mental health challenges? 

Understanding Mental Health Issues 

Mental health issues are a growing concern in the workplace, affecting not only employees’ well-being but also their productivity and job performance. These issues can range from mild to severe and encompass conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Understanding and promoting positive mental health is crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. 

Per the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.” Mental health issues can arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Work-related stress, trauma, or other significant life events can trigger these conditions, making it essential for employers to have good mental health literacy and address issues proactively. 

The Importance of Good Mental Health at Work 

Good mental health is essential for employees’ overall well-being and job performance. When employees are mentally healthy, they are more productive, engaged, and motivated, which can lead to better job performance and increased job satisfaction. Additionally, good mental health fosters positive relationships with colleagues and supervisors, contributing to a more supportive and collaborative work environment. 

Maintaining good mental health can also reduce the risk of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact employees’ quality of life. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), employees who are mentally healthy are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive, and are less likely to experience burnout and turnover. This highlights the importance of supporting mental health in the workplace. 

Workplace Risk Factors for Mental Health 

Several workplace risk factors can negatively impact mental health, including work-related stress, long working hours, lack of control over work environment and tasks, and poor communication and feedback. Other risk factors include bullying and harassment, lack of support from colleagues and supervisors, and unrealistic expectations and workload. 

These factors can contribute to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety and can also affect employees’ physical health and overall well-being. Recognizing mental health symptoms and mitigating these risk factors is crucial for enhancing workplace mental health. 

The Impact of Poor Mental Health on Business 

Poor mental health can have a significant impact on business, including reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates. According to a study by the APA, employees who are mentally unhealthy are more likely to experience burnout and turnover, leading to substantial costs for employers. 

In addition, poor mental health can affect job performance, resulting in decreased productivity and efficiency. It can also strain relationships with coworkers, colleagues and supervisors, creating a more negative and unsupportive work environment.  

According to the WHO, poor mental health can cost employers up to $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. This means that addressing mental health issues is not only beneficial for employees but also for the overall success of the business. 

Mental Health in the Workplace Scorecard

While it may not be your company’s obligation to solve employees’ psychological issues, your attitude and work environment may determine their willingness to seek help. Assess your company’s mental health culture by asking the following: 

1. Does my company offer mental health benefits that include mental health services? 
2. Do we have a standardized procedure for addressing concerns? 
3. Are managers trained to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health issues? 
4. Do we provide resources for employees to learn about psychological health? 
5. Does my company encourage employees to speak up if they’re struggling? 
6. Do we offer an employee assistance program (EAP)? (Please note that any employee enrolled in at least one of the MetLife products Stratus HR offers, both employer-paid and voluntary products, has access to a free EAP program! Call or text our benefits department at 801-984-1326 for details.) 
7. Does my company promote the importance of mental health? 
8. Do we offer general workplace stress mitigation tips? 
9. Do I regularly check in with employees about the psychological resources we provide? 
10. Do we regularly communicate the mental health initiatives we provide to employees? 

If you answered “yes” to at least 7 of the above questions, your company is considered supportive of mental health needs and at low risk for concern. If you answered “yes” to only 4-6 questions, your company has room for improvement and is deemed at moderate risk. Anything less than 4 “yes” answers is considered unsupportive and at high risk for challenges. 

After evaluating your scorecard, consider which areas you do or do not have power to change. Any effort to promote awareness is a great step towards destigmatizing mental illness and encouraging employees to reach out for help when needed. 

Strategies to Help Employees Thrive with Mental Health Challenges

You can also encourage employees to improve their personal health by promoting the following strategies: 

1. Create healthy routines

Healthy routines include getting enough sleep and eating a nutrient-rich diet. Start with small changes, as old habits are hard to change overnight. 

2. Own your feelings

Take time to identify your feelings instead of being overwhelmed in emotions. You may want to talk or write out what you are feeling. This will help you better cope with challenging situations. 

3. Connect with others

Whether in person or virtually, connecting with others helps enrich your life and powers you through tough times. Lean on your friends and support group. 

4. Cultivate gratitude

Keep a gratitude journal, meditate, or make it a point to thank people in your life. Practicing gratitude is linked to improved mental health. 

5. Offer mental health coverage

One of the most powerful things you can do is offer mental health coverage to your employees. While some may need this type of coverage to stay proactive with their overall health, others may need it to help them cope with a mental health condition. Understanding mental health coverage will help you know whether it is covered by workers’ comp in your state. 

Being open about mental health and encouraging employees to take care of themselves will help avoid unforeseen problems. 

Creating a Positive Work Environment 

Creating a positive work environment is essential for supporting employees’ mental health and well-being. A positive work environment includes a supportive and inclusive culture, opportunities for growth and development, and a healthy work-life balance. Employers can foster such an environment by providing mental health resources and support, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), workplace wellness programs, and mental health days. 

Promoting a culture of well-being is also crucial. This can involve encouraging employees to prioritize their mental health and providing opportunities for physical activity and healthy behaviors. By investing in a mentally healthy workplace, employers can enhance workers' mental health and organizational performance. 

Final Thoughts 

Despite progress over the last few years, there is still a negative stigma behind mental health that creates a barrier for employees to get the help they need. Start the conversation and suggest your company do more to provide adequate support. 

For more ideas, please contact your certified HR expert. Not a current Stratus HR client? Book a free consultation and our team will contact you shortly!