3 Ways to Create a Culture that Prioritizes Mental Health

The workplace today looks vastly different than ever before.  With these changes, employees are desiring and wanting more when it comes to mental health resources and support within their organizations. Statistics show that:

• 91% of employees believe their company should offer some sort of mental health resources.[1]

• 81% of GenZ have left roles for mental health reasons.[2]

While it’s easier said than done, there are multiple strategies you can implement to improve your organization’s mental health.

1.       Organizational Push

Monica Bertilsson, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in Public Health Science at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy, states, “The likelihood of a manager actually holding preventive discussions about anxiety and depression is 84% higher if the manager works in an organization that offers general measures, such as stress counseling and lectures on depression and anxiety, compared with the organization not doing so.” Companies that offer stress counseling and various lectures empower managers to have more transparent discussions about mental health. Maybe even establishing specific mental health training for your managers/leadership will help them become more aware of various mental health symptoms and how to respond in different situations.

2.       Different Communications

A VYOND survey found that more than half of respondents prefer to watch or listen to a company announcement or communication instead of reading an email or blog post. If your company only sends written content, you’re missing the boat. Mixing in videos or podcasts can help employees become more knowledgeable about mental health resources or support. Also, ensure communication is consistently sent out, not just during open enrollment. Too many companies only send out resources/ benefits during open enrollment and information is easily missed.

3.       Offer Tailored Resources and Support

While there are plenty of resources a company can offer regarding mental health, providing apps like Calm and Headspace, or other meditation/mindfulness benefits can be a great way to show your employees you care about their mental health. Many studies show meditation is an effective method for reducing stress and other work-related issues.

Another way to support employees is to actually encourage PTO and mental health days. It’s one thing to offer PTO or mental health days, but it’s another thing to encourage them. Most companies establish policies, but employees are still hesitant to ask. Sometimes the hesitation is a lack of communication about vacation policy, negative company perceptions about vacation, or leadership that never takes time off. Make sure your employees understand that time off is needed and encouraged.

Overall, establishing a culture that prioritizes mental health is more important today than ever before. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send me an email Christian@benxconsulting.com

[1] https://hbr.org/2021/10/its-a-new-era-for-mental-health-at-work

[2] https://www.mindsharepartners.org/mentalhealthatworkreport