There’s little awareness about how an employee’s mental health takes a hit when they feel overburdened. The way they act, think, and feel changes due to the immense pressure they are under. A study by Deloitte reports that one in five American adults experience some sort of mental illness.
Another study published by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association concluded that mental illness at the workplace leads to disability. As a result, health-related absenteeism increases.
This is why it is important for a company to provide its employees with mental health support.
The responsible party for designing and implementing the plan? HR.
Establish a Mental Health Policy
A common stigma around mental illness is that it’s just a manifestation of too much thinking.
This is why one of the primary steps HR must take is to create a comprehensive mental health policy. This policy should define the company’s commitment to mental health support, outline available resources, and establish a clear protocol for addressing mental health issues.
Provide Mental Health Benefits
Traditional healthcare benefits usually include health and life insurance. This is why HR should look into adding a wellness program to the benefits package. This will allow employees to take time off to work on themselves through counseling and therapy. Ensure that these services are widely communicated and easily accessible to all employees.
Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Encourage flexibility in work arrangements through remote work options. Since the pandemic, job seekers are more interested in work opportunities that allow them to work from the comfort of their homes or offer a hybrid option. This allows them to manage their work-life balance and reduce stress.
Monitor Workload
Regularly assess employees’ workloads to prevent burnout. Instruct managers to have open discussions with their team members about their work responsibilities and help distribute the workload evenly.
Encourage Self-Care
Companies focused on increasing ROI rather than promoting a healthy work culture often leverage technology to keep their employees in line. This involves installing a software program that monitors the time employees spend on the computer working. As a result, employees become less efficient.
Studies report that taking regular breaks makes employees more productive. So, set healthy boundaries and share self-care tips to support employees struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Ensure Employees Take Time Off When Needed
Many employees fear that taking time off will lead to an overwhelming workload when they return. They worry about falling behind and the additional stress it may cause.
The first thing employers must do is assure employees that their absence is temporary and that it does not jeopardize their position. Next, allow them to delegate their tasks to lessen the burden. This will allow them to take a day off or go on vacation with a free mind.
A company culture that promotes taking time off sends a clear message that the well-being of employees is a priority. This fosters a sense of trust and support between employees and their employers, which can positively impact mental health.
Companies that recognize the importance of mental health and provide their employees with the means to seek support have lower employee turnover rates. Employees who feel they can maintain a healthy work-life balance are less likely to seek employment elsewhere.
