6 Ways to Care for Employee Mental Health

By Jezabel Southard

Posted on September 14, 2018

Discussions about mental health have entered the national conversation.

Since work is a significant part of our lives, it stands to reason the mental health conversation should take place in business as well.

With busy schedules, heavy workloads and intense pressure to succeed, it is easy for work to take a toll on employees’ mental health, creating or exacerbating mental health concerns among staff.

Here are 6 ways managers can build an environment conducive to good mental health:

1. Talk about it.

The stigma surrounding mental health issues means that many people who face anxiety, depression, and similar problems don’t talk about their needs, which in turn can make the problem worse. Start to lift this burden by discussing the importance of mental health, work-life balance, and similar concerns.

2. Include mental health in your employee benefits.

One in six U.S. residents currently has a mental health condition, which means that nearly every workplace has employees who need help in this area. By offering health benefits in this area, you decrease absenteeism due to illness and also demonstrate to top candidates that you’ll take concrete steps to help them thrive.

3. Build in time for employees to de-stress.

Studies demonstrate that workers do better work when they have time to relax, de-stress and refocus. Encourage the use of vacation and paid time off, fight back against guilt or shame associated with taking breaks, and provide both time and space in the workday for staff to “do nothing” for a few minutes.

4. Play to workers’ strengths.

Stress often occurs when staff members feel as if the resources they have available for a task are not adequate to meet that task. Help reduce this form of stress by focusing on assigning work according to team members’ strengths, desires and interests. When staff are prepared to succeed, they are more likely to do so – and less likely to feel overwhelmed as a result.

5. Call in extra help when your team needs it.

In a seasonal rush or when faced with a large, specialized project, your core staff may simply need more help than they normally do. In these situations, don’t hesitate to seek qualified temporary staff who can help lighten the burden. Many hands make light work, both physically and mentally.

6. Provide an example of a good mental health practice.

Sometimes, helping employees with their mental health means managers need to admit when they need assistance, too. A staffing partner can help improve your hiring process, giving you more space to breathe.

At TERRA Staffing, our staffing partners help clients build and maintain stronger teams, helping you to reach your business goals. Contact us today to learn more.

Categories: Employee Engagement Ideas, HR and Management Advice

Tags: Employee Benefits for Mental Health, Employee Wellness, Mental Health Wellness in the Workplace

Related Posts