Supporting Employee Well-being: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

It’s no secret employee mental health has become a critical issue. The well-being of employees is essential for their personal health and the overall success of your organization. As the lines between work and personal life continue to blur in our hyper-connected culture, employers must not only acknowledge, but prioritize mental health and a mentally healthy work environment. 

We know how mental health directly impacts an employee’s ability to perform their job effectively; productivity, creativity, and decision-making abilities can all be impacted. Left unresolved, mental health issues can lead to absenteeism, burnout, and higher turnover rates, all of which have significant implications for your business, not to mention the morale of remaining team members.

According to SHRM’s 2024 Employee Mental Health study, approximately half (45%) of surveyed U.S. employees say they are burned out from their jobs. And these burned out employees are 3x more likely to be actively searching for another job. The direct and indirect effects this can have on a business should therefore be of serious concern to organizational leaders. This emotional stress significantly impacts employees - from physical and emotional exhaustion, to lower job satisfaction, a decrease in performance, and anxiety and depression.

So what can you do?

First and foremost, creating a work environment that supports mental health should be a priority. Build a culture where employees feel valued and supported; where mental health can be discussed without fear of stigma or judgment. This not only enhances employee satisfaction and loyalty but also attracts and retains top talent (a priority for many Gen Zers, we now know, is a workplace that cares for their well-being).

In order to create a positive, healthy workplace, organizations must be willing to implement change across all divisions. It is more important than ever to take a proactive approach to not just support employee mental health, but strengthen it. The ultimate goal should be to create a workplace employees don’t feel they need to escape, or heal, from. Resetting cultural attitudes and expectations, setting new standards for workplace communication, rethinking employee workloads, and redefining flexibility in the workplace are all ways to get a step ahead of the employee mental health crisis many companies are finding themselves in today.

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the culture around mental health in the workplace. Leaders should actively promote mental health initiatives and lead by example. This means not only encouraging employees to take care of their mental health but also doing so themselves. Transparency from leadership about the importance of mental health can break down barriers and create a more open dialogue within the organization.

You want to ensure employees know where to turn for help as well - whether it’s HR, a dedicated mental health officer, or external support services. Easy and reliable access to mental health resources and support is key. By offering employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide confidential counseling and mental health services, stress management workshops, or mental health awareness training, you are collectively supporting the health and well-being of all employees. 

Supporting mental health in the workplace is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. By creating a supportive environment, organizations can help their employees thrive both personally and professionally. When mental health is prioritized, everyone benefits: employees feel valued and supported, and companies see improvements in productivity, engagement, and retention. Creating a workplace where mental health is acknowledged and actively supported leads to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.