What are ways you support your employees’ mental health?
It’s clear that employees are facing heightened emotional challenges and stress levels. According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders stand as the primary reason for “years lived with disability.”
Failing to address these challenges head-on can lead to more severe mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At Personify Health, we recognize the critical importance of supporting employees’ mental health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, we are committed to ensuring that employees feel safe and supported, both at home and in the workplace, to openly discuss their concerns and stressors.
Companies looking to prioritize their employees’ mental health through benefits should focus on connecting them with therapists, promoting mindfulness, and establishing clear work-life boundaries. However, increasing participation in these resources isn’t as simple as sending a reminder email or posting flyers.
Your HR team doesn’t have the capacity to connect with each employee to know if they are struggling.
An employee’s direct manager is a valuable resource for leadership and HR professionals. Managers can help create awareness of their team’s mental health and effectively guide them towards support.
Managers play a pivotal role in regularly engaging with and supporting their employees. They have a deep understanding of the transitions their team members may be facing, both in their professional and personal lives. The foundation of a culture centered on health and safety starts with this team.
Managers have a significant influence on their employees’ lives. It’s crucial to prioritize mental health training for managers by allocating resources for it, safeguarding managers’ time for training, and ensuring that the training directly addresses the specific needs of their team.
Managers who have received training will better recognize signs of distress in their team. They’ll be more likely to create a safe space for open communication. They’ll also have more awareness of and respect for boundaries.
Empathetic managers who offer expert guidance create safe environments where employees feel comfortable opening up.
With this in mind, prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of management teams, who play a significant role in supporting employees throughout the organization.
We recognize that managers are often stretched thin. With their numerous responsibilities comes the risk of running on empty, resulting in poor leadership and weaker employee mental health. By prioritizing managers’ wellbeing, you reinforce their ability to support others and improve overall effectiveness.
Remember, prioritizing workplace wellness and employee health is an investment that pays dividends over time. By empowering and enabling managers to support their teams effectively, you create a positive ripple effect.
A report from the World Health Organization highlights that investing a dollar in treatment for anxiety and depression can yield a four-dollar return through improved health and reduced employee turnover. When workers receive treatment for mental health issues, it not only lowers overall healthcare costs but also boosts productivity while reducing absenteeism and disability.
We’re here to support you in setting up an employee EAP or enhancing your existing mental health benefits to ensure they meet the needs of your employees and management.
Get in touch with your Account Manager or a member of our dedicated sales team at Personify Health today to explore these opportunities further and empower your workforce with the resources they need for better mental health support.