Mental Health: Building Awareness and Belonging in the Workplace
Amidst the staggering rise in stress, anxiety, and depression caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, mental health awareness in the workplace has gained significant recognition. With more than one in five adults in the US experiencing mental illness, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and implement strategies to support mental health in the workplace.
Mental health awareness in the workplace has gained significant recognition in recent years, particularly due to the staggering increase in stress, anxiety, and depression attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic circumstances, and job-related stresses. Yet, in the midst of these daily struggles, a chilling statistic arises: More than one in five adults suffer from mental illness in the US alone.
Many people are unaware of the true experience of anxiety or depression. These conditions involve persistent worry, fearful anticipation, and symptoms that persist over a prolonged period. Anxiety presents itself through restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep patterns. It can also manifest physically, causing muscle tension, fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, and even panic attacks.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s 2021 survey, approximately 19% of adults in the United States, equivalent to a staggering 57.8 million people, live with a mental illness. The age group most affected by mental illness is between 18 and 25 years old. Furthermore, nearly half of those with mental illness receive three or more diagnoses. Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental illness diagnoses, and those diagnosed with depression often exhibit additional symptoms such as loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, difficulties in concentration and decision-making, and a noticeable decrease in energy.
Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace
Exhibiting anxiety and depression symptoms can cause difficulty in doing tasks accurately and timely. When colleagues feel ashamed to talk about their conditions, it becomes even more severe. With no adequate support, mental disorders and other mental health conditions can affect a person’s confidence and identity at work, capacity to work productively, absences, and ease with which to retain or gain employment.
However, when employees with these conditions feel safe reaching out to their manager or Human Resources to disclose their situation, they are more likely to get the medical attention they need. This also serves as an important step toward fully supporting employee mental health.
The mental well-being of employees should be essential to employers because when employees are mentally unstable, it can decrease productivity, impact morale, and affect the business’ bottom line. Additionally, employees who feel their employers do not care about their overall well-being are more likely to look elsewhere for jobs.
Alternatively, if employees are mentally supported and know their organization cares about them, they will likely be more productive and happy with their work.
4 Strategies to Nurture a Healthy Workplace
Organizations can take several steps to demonstrate that they care about the mental well-being of their employees. Here are some strategies:
- Create a supportive environment from day one.
Employers often worry that informing employees about their right to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will result in an overwhelming number of costly and unreasonable requests. However, it is crucial to understand that companies are only required to provide reasonable accommodations. In fact, a survey by the Job Accommodation Network revealed that nearly 50% of accommodations cost nothing, and the median expense for one-time accommodations is a mere $300. Even ongoing accommodations have an annual cost below $4,000. Fortunately, businesses can foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues openly without fear of stigma or judgment. Encourage open communication and provide resources for employees to seek help. Also, consider offering in-house counseling resources and providing guidance to employees on how they can use employer-provided resources to better their mental well-being. - Promote positive work-life balance.
According to a 2022 WDW survey, 67% of employers in the United States plan to make employee mental health and emotional well-being programs and solutions top health priorities over the upcoming three years. Additionally, more and more organizations are understanding that offering benefits such as mental health days can assist in improving the mental well-being of all employees. Similarly, business leaders can model behavior that promotes, encourages, and supports a healthy work-life balance by implementing policies such as flexible work hours, remote work options, and reasonable workload expectations. - Provide mental health resources.
Offer access to mental health resources such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), counseling services, or mental health helplines. Treat time off for mental health reasons the same as other sick leave and ensure that employees know these resources and how to access them confidentially. Additionally, display posters and other materials about crisis hotline numbers. Ultimately, offering accommodations yields numerous benefits for businesses, including the retention of valuable employees, improved productivity and morale, reduced workers’ compensation and training expenses, and enhanced diversity within the organization. By dispelling misconceptions and recognizing the reasonable nature and affordability of accommodations, employers can create a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being while reaping the long-term rewards for their business. - Train managers and supervisors on mental health needs.
In an effort to prioritize employee mental health, 44% of companies have already implemented mental health training for managers, with an additional 30% considering or planning to offer such training. To create a supportive environment, organizations can extend training to Human Resources personnel and leaders at all levels, utilizing resources like Workplace Mental Health Ally training provided through partnerships such as SHRM and PsychHUB. Reviewing case studies of successful programs implemented by other companies can also help businesses address employee mental health. These case studies offer valuable insights into the steps organizations can take to promote mental well-being. Additionally, resources like The Mental Health Conversation Guide for Managers and Workplace Mental Health Playbook can provide practical tips for managers in initiating conversations about mental health and supporting employees. By equipping managers and supervisors with the necessary skills, organizations can ensure they recognize signs of mental distress, conduct supportive conversations, and appropriately refer employees to available resources, ultimately cultivating a healthy work environment that prioritizes mental well-being.
There’s Never Been a Better Time to Prioritize Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
Building awareness and belonging in the workplace is crucial for fostering a positive, inclusive environment and healthy company culture. It encompasses creating an environment where employees feel accepted, respected, and included, regardless of their background, identity, or characteristics.
Mental health in the workplace goes far beyond simply fulfilling legal and moral obligations; it directly impacts employee well-being, engagement, and organizational success. By promoting mental health awareness and providing workplace solutions, organizations can nurture a culture that values mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion, ultimately increasing employee satisfaction, productivity, and innovation.
Written by Julia Méndez Achée.
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