As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, it’s important to consider the wellness of your company and employees. Now more than ever, working professionals need to be taken care of at work, as many are putting their mental well-being before money and success.
In a time when mental health programs are now a necessity in the workplace, we’ve put together a few tips and ideas to keep your organization supportive and safe, including wellness programs, trainings, resources, and safety guidelines.
Send out company wide surveys
To know what your employees need and how they feel, sending out company wide, anonymous surveys will clue you in. Many organizations are using these surveys to assess DEI initiatives and the comfort level of their employees. Having the survey alone will let everyone know that leadership not only cares, but plans to help and change as necessary.
Train managers to handle emotional distress
Employees spend significant time with their managers at work. If anyone is showing signs of a struggle, Betterup suggests, “We can help by training managers to offer support to employees that may not be feeling their best. Teach them to listen without judgement and offer next steps to support them. This could be signing off on a mental health day, offering flexible work hours, giving more time on a project, a referral to an EAP, or staring a conversation with a human resources to explore options.”
Provide mental health resources and programs
Offering resources, such EAPs and effective medical benefits, will help create a positive environment for your employees. An employee assistance program (EAP) grants employees access to free and private assessments, counseling, and follow-up services. All can be utilized from the privacy of their own home and their treatment is completely personalized. Also, be sure to provide access to organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Health, which provides education and awareness on all mental health subject matters.
Set aside time for relaxation
Make sure employees take their required breaks. To reduce or avoid burnout, allow workers to make time for themselves, even if it’s just conversations between meetings to relieve some stress. This type of easy communication could also cue you in if anyone on your team is struggling or in need of a mental break. Be honest with your employees that they can speak up if they are having a rough day or feel overwhelmed. You are helping reduce the stigma.
Implement health and safety guidelines
A healthy environment is important for the wellbeing of your employees. Indeed says, “It is also important to establish rules prohibiting harassment and bullying, a process for investigating complaints and consequences for violations.” On top of that, the workplace should remain as positive as possible. Recognize employees when they deserve it and invest in their training and growth. Listen when they have ideas. You want your staff to know they matter.
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