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Tuesday, 20 October 2020 09:37

Developing a Mental Health Strategy at Your Workplace

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The ongoing impact of COVID-19 includes rising levels of depression, anxiety, and grief; serious mental health challenges that your employees can’t always check at the door. Often, these mental health problems invade the workplace, where they can diminish the overall morale and wellbeing of your team.

Even before the pandemic, there was a serious workplace mental health crisis, stemming largely from stigma: Simply put, far too many employees are reluctant to seek the help they need to address mental health issues, feeling like they need to just “deal with it” on their own.

Now is the time for employers and HR leaders to get serious about providing their employees with the necessary mental health resources… but where to begin? In this post, we’ll outline some basic, preliminary steps toward a workplace mental health strategy.

Creating a Workplace Mental Health Strategy

1) Create a culture of balance.

Work-life balance won’t necessarily cure problems like deep-seated anxiety or depression, but it can help alleviate stress. And it can help employees enjoy more freedom and flexibility to seek treatment or therapy as needed. Make sure yours is a culture that encourages people to take vacations and the occasional “mental health day.” When possible, show some flexibility toward employees who need to come in a little later or duck out a little early to go to therapy. And make sure that leaders and managers set a good example of leaving at a reasonable time each day, not sending after-hours emails, etc.

2) Talk about it.

Make sure your workplace is an environment where people feel comfortable discussing issues related to mental health. HR leaders can set the tone, sending out emails or leading brief huddles/meetings to discuss the warning signs of mental illness. Model an ease and a comfort discussing these matters, without stigma or judgment.

3) Offer the right benefits.

There are a number of workplace benefits that can be used to promote mental health and wellbeing. Some examples include:

  • Access to free mental health screenings
  • Coverage for telehealth appointments with therapists
  • Behavioral health services

As you consider bringing a fuller suite of mental health benefits to your team, make sure you take a look at some of the offerings we have here at FullHR, including some new programs that we’ve just unveiled in the month of October.

4) Prioritize wellness.

Don’t underestimate the significance of the mind-body connection. Promoting physical wellness can be a powerful way to promote mental health. There are plenty of workplace wellness options you can choose from, like team walks, healthy snacks in the vending machine, or discounts for local gyms. But really, the best bet may be providing employees flexibility to get up and move around as needed; again, leaders can set a good example here, building a culture where wellness is a top priority.

5) Provide in-service events.

Make sure your mental health plan has room for some in-service events and seminars. Bring in experts or educators who can share some tips and best practices for stress management and self-care, and also provide some insight into mental health diagnosis and treatment.

Learn More About Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Your Workplace

With the right plan, your HR team can help cultivate a workplace where mental health is treasured. If you have any questions, or want to know more about different benefits options, reach out to FullHR at your next convenience.

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