After nearly 18 months of facing the COVID-19 pandemic head-on, the global population is weary and fatigued. However, as businesses and individuals come up for air to regroup and take inventory of their situations, new variants of the virus are creating great cause for concern in many areas, especially in the workplace.
Mental health issues have increased dramatically across the board. The heightened awareness of mental health issues – from elite athletes and high-profile celebrities to frazzled parents and children to burnt-out employees – is the topic of many conversations.
Effectively managing mental health issues in the workplace has never been more critical for business leaders in balancing employee well-being with company needs. Taking the right approach to creating a healthy work environment will increase productivity, boost overall morale and greater retention of top performers.
Below are four ways employers can support the mental health of employees:
Establish clear communications. Business leaders should develop ways to have clear and open communication with their teams, not only in group settings but also on an individual level. This enables supervisors to share expectations about achieving company goals and build trust with employees, making staff feel comfortable sharing any challenges they face.
Managing mental health issues in the workplace has never been more critical.
When leaders have clear and open communications, they are better able to offer solutions to help alleviate stress and tension. For example, in a remote or hybrid work arrangement, the lines between work and home are blurred, leaving employees feeling overwhelmed. If the company has an employee assistance program, leaders can refer workers to the program, which typically offers an array of services, including confidential counseling, help with elder/child care issues, wellness matters and more, at no cost to employees.
Encourage work-life balance. After a year like no other, when many employees worked longer hours and took less paid time off, it is time for employers to implement, or restore, and encourage work-life balance. When companies offer a generous PTO program, paid volunteer hours, an employee wellness program and an employee assistance program, it helps cultivate a culture that supports a balance. In addition, supervisors should encourage workers to use their benefits, giving them an opportunity to unplug and spend time with families and pursue hobbies or other interests.
Display empathy. As the economic recovery continues to unfold, there are still many unresolved issues that impact employees, such as clearly defined work arrangements, diversity, equity and inclusion policies, a safe and healthy work environment, and employer vaccine requirements.
Business leaders who display empathy toward employees – while they process these issues and companies develop solutions – can reduce employees’ anxiety.
Offer creative perks. While some employee expenses may decrease in a remote or hybrid work environment, others might increase with purchases of home/office equipment and supplies, and higher utility bills and child care expenses. When employers offer creative perks to offset some of these costs, such as gift cards for office supplies, reimbursement for internet service, raffles for house cleaning, dog walking or laundry services, or supplying lunch through a food delivery service, employee engagement and morale will improve.
As more individuals face mental health challenges, employers who support employees’ well-being through clear communication, work-life balance, empathy and creative perks cannot only make a difference for the individuals, but also help increase awareness and break down the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
Eric Cormier is a manager of human resources services in Rhode Island for Texas-based Insperity Inc., which provides human resources and administrative services.
