Advocating for and Improving Mental Health in the Workplace

Poor mental health, including stress and depression, can negatively impact everyone in the workplace. These issues can hinder job performance, impede engagement and break down communication between colleagues. Plus, mental health disorders are costly to businesses, associated with higher rates of disability and unemployment.

While 7.1% of all U.S. adults have experienced at least one major depressive episode, only 40% to 57% seek treatment. As a result, both employees and employers need to advocate awareness and well-being.

To learn how to improve mental health in the workplace, follow the tips below.

Start Company Conversations

If you want to promote mental health awareness among your colleagues, the first step is to start the conversation. Set up a sit-down with all employees or encourage HR to schedule a meeting.

Talk about what mental health struggles look like, including:

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Depression

• Decreased energy

Educate your employees on how they can respond to red flags. Encouraging an open, communicative and honest workplace culture can also reduce workplace conflict and inspire employee productivity — because workers will feel less pressure and stress.

Provide Helpful Resources

Your employees or co-workers may not feel comfortable talking to you about their issues. However, you can offer resources that anyone can check out. For example, you can establish a list of therapists covered under the company's health insurance policy. Send out links to free screening tools where workers can enter their symptoms. You can also post the phone numbers of mental health hotlines where people can talk to trained professionals.

Offer Counseling Sessions

If you want to retain your workplace's top talent, consider offering in-house counseling services. Create a space where workers can speak about their worries, fears and stressors without stigma. While you'll spend funds maintaining a health clinic, you'll save your company money in the long run on health care coverage.

Include Insurance Options

If you have control over your workplace's insurance coverage, look for policies that include mental health services. For example, you may choose something that offers free therapy or psychiatry sessions. You can also opt for plans that fully cover certain mental health medications.

Prioritize Workplace Wellness

One excellent way to cope with stress and depression is to stay active. To encourage wellness in the workplace, set up company-wide initiatives. For example, you can create an in-house soccer or softball league. Allow employees to sign up for nature hikes or walks. Start a company garden that workers can enjoy while on break. You can also schedule exercise classes, such as yoga or Zumba.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Research shows that 66% of full-time employees don't believe they have work-life balance. People who feel overworked often experience higher levels of stress, an issue that can eventually lead to burnout.

To protect your employees, you can:

• Embrace flexible hours.

• Provide on-site child care.

• Offer exercise opportunities.

• Encourage employee training.

• Support telecommuting options.

How to Promote Mental Wellness at Work

Mental health is a crucial topic that should take precedence in and outside of the workplace. To protect your employees or co-workers, follow the tips above to promote mental health awareness and personal well-being within your company.