5 ways to support employee mental wellbeing

Not longer optional- it’s necessary  

Employees are no longer just looking for job security - they are actively looking for organisations that support their mental wellbeing. The initiative is not limited to raising awareness — employers are also expected to take action to provide genuine support in the workplace. Building a culture of safety for mental health in the workplace is an ongoing process that includes aligning business practises with wellness, communicating effectively, implementing a tailored wellness programme and more. By taking the necessary steps, employers can not only attract and retain top talent, but also foster a resilient and productive workforce and pave the way for an era where mental health in the workplace is truly valued and supported.

1. Remove stigma around mental health 

Promoting mental health in the workplace ensures that employees have the resources they need to deal effectively with challenges, perform their best at work and maintain a positive and resilient attitude. Mental health support initiatives can include confidential counselling services offered in person, online or via app. A variety of options can make it easier to access mental health support, which can increase engagement. Critical to the success of any mental health initiative is transparency within the team about access and normalising uptake in team conversations to reduce stigma.

2. Prioritise work-life balance
   

A blanket approach to work policy often does not lead to a healthy work-life balance for all. Instead, a tailored approach should be taken to support each individual’s unique situation by giving employees the opportunity to openly discuss flexible work arrangements with their supervisors, ensuring a manageable workload through constant communication with supervisors to assess and adjust workloads, and having an updated time off policy that encourages employees to take regular breaks, use their vacation time, and relax after work to ensure they can rest and recuperate appropriately to increase productivity and avoid burnout.

3. Support financial wellness

With the current unstable climate, financial stress is a worry among approx 68% of employees. Financial wellness programmes, offered like any other dimension of well-being and including resources for budgeting, debt management, retirement planning and investment strategies, empower employees to make informed financial decisions, create long-term and sustainable behaviour change, which translates into better focus and performance at work.

4. Give clear career purpose

Promoting a sense of purpose, professional development and opportunities for growth through mentoring, courses and goal setting will create a sense of belonging, support and confidence. Highlighting the connection between the employee's role and the organisation's purpose fosters a deeper connection and reinforces a sense of being part of something bigger than oneself while creating value through one's role.

5. Consider motion-friendly workspaces

An active life contributes significantly to increasing mental well-being. Consider motion-friendly workplaces with standing desks, accessible stairs and designated areas to incorporate movement into the workday. In addition to exercise incentives, fitness challenges such as team-based fitness goals foster a sense of community and motivate employees to stay active together.