As an employer, you have a responsibility to support the mental health of your employees. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines mental health as a person’s “emotional, psychological and social well-being.” Mental health affects all areas of our lives and is critical to our overall well-being. It can also have a significant impact on job performance, productivity, and employee engagement.

The impact of mental illness is widespread, and the crisis has been on the rise for several years. Millions of Americans are affected; the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one in five Americans experience mental illness annually. Furthermore, a recent CNN survey indicated that 90% of adults believe that America is experiencing a mental health crisis. The pandemic has only worsened the situation, unsurprisingly.

With all this in mind, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive mental health strategy that supports employees at every level of your organization.

Here are some steps HR can take to support mental health in the workplace:

Provide Mental Health Training for Managers and Employees

Mental health training can help managers and employees recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and provide appropriate support. Training can also help reduce stigma and create a more inclusive work environment. HR can offer training sessions or webinars that educate employees on how to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Create an Open and Supportive Work Culture

Fostering a culture of openness and support is essential for promoting mental health in the workplace. HR can encourage managers to have open and honest conversations with employees about mental health, and ensure that employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns without fear of judgement or repercussions. Regular check-ins with employees can also help create a sense of support and belonging.

Offer Mental Health Resources

Offering resources such as counseling, therapy, or mental health hotlines can provide employees with the support they need to manage their mental health. HR can partner with mental health providers or insurance companies to offer mental health services to employees. Additionally, HR can provide employees with information about mental health resources in the community.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and personal life is crucial for maintaining good mental health. HR can encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day and prioritize self-care. Encouraging flexible work schedules, remote work options, and time off can also help employees achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Address Workplace Stressors

Stressors such as heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and job insecurity can have a significant impact on mental health. HR can work with managers to identify and address workplace stressors, such as improving workload distribution, increasing resources and support, and providing employee recognition and feedback.

In these uncertain times, stress and anxiety are prevalent and it's crucial to support mental health in the workplace, especially when employers are competing for top talent. By initiating discussions on mental health and looking out for possible concerns early on, you can create a work environment where employees can thrive, not just survive.