76% of U.S. workers are negatively affected by mental health, according to the American Health Association (AHA). Now more than ever, employers need to ensure mental health support is of high priority in their business planning. Here are five ways you can promote positive mental health in the workplace.
1. Pay Attention to Employee Behavior
As an employer, it’s your job to pay attention to the behavior of your employees. If employees begin to show excessive worries, anger, or tiredness can all be signs of overarching mental health conditions. If an employee is exhibiting signs of a mental health crisis, seek help immediately by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the 24-hour crisis center or 911 for emergency assistance.
2. Promote a Mentally Healthy Workplace
Negative work environments can significantly impact the mental wellbeing of employees who spend over a quarter of their weeks at work. Exhibiting positivity throughout your workplace can encourage better productivity, motivation, and mental wellness among staff members. Words of encouragement, appreciation, and support work hand-in-hand to promote a comfortable workplace for staff, fostering higher quality work.
3. Provide Mental Health Resources
Due to the sheer amount of time spent in the workplace, it can be an essential location to help improve the well-being of employees. Providing mental health resources often includes distributing informational brochures or relevant mental health articles, or scheduling check-in meetings to discuss staff health.
4. Encourage Conversations About Mental Health
Opening discussing the affects and symptoms of mental health can help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. Many Americans will go untreated because of the negative connotation associated with mental health conditions. Including all employees in discussions on mental health can ensure employees feel heard, no matter their role.
5. Reevaluate Employee Work Loads
Preventing employee burnout can help significantly when maintaining a positive work environment. Burnout occurs when workplace events and actions cause an individual to persistently feel emotional and interpersonal stress. Employee exhaustion and self-doubt can lead to greater issues with their mental health, and overall job inefficiency.
As an employer, it is your duty to ensure your employees are provided a healthy and supportive work environment. At EHS Management, our team of experts can craft written programs and policies to ensure your workplace is running smoothly and effectively. Contact us to learn more about our safety and environmental management services.