In recent years, the significance of creating mentally healthy workplaces has grown, with employers recognizing its impact on productivity, employee retention, and overall organizational success. Providing such environments goes beyond basic compliance; it fosters a supportive culture that benefits both employees and businesses.
Reasons to promote a peaceful work environment include:
Employees who feel supported in their mental health are more focused, engaged, and efficient at work. Research highlights that mental wellness can significantly reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, leading to measurable productivity gains.
[i]https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paul_Gold2/publication/263123943_Absenteeism_and_Productivity_Among_Mental_Health_Employees/links/0a85e536acd32beb85000000.pdf
High-pressure environments and lack of mental health resources can lead to burnout, which is costly for businesses. Creating supportive workspaces helps alleviate stress and fosters loyalty among employees, reducing turnover rates. In fact, absenteeism is highly correlated with emotional struggles. One study found that 41% of the 22 employees surveyed reported depression at least sometimes, and 27% reported anxiety more than sometimes. 23% had been absent at least 1 day from work in the past month. (The Journal of Mental Health Policy). While this is a smaller sample size, it highlights a bigger systemic issue.
Organizations that prioritize mental health cultivate trust and inclusivity, which strengthens team collaboration and morale. Initiatives like mental health training for leadership and accessible resources signal an organization's commitment to employee well-being.
Most employers want to provide a peaceful but efficient workplace. But how does one do that while balancing day-to-day demands and employee concerns?
First, train your leaders in the companies on what to look for. Studies have found that the manager’s choice in leadership style greatly affects the team’s mood. Managers and other leadership roles go through hardships as well and can feel the burden of stress and responsibility. Offer training so that leadership can continue to increase self-awareness as well as look out for others. Encourage empathy. If supervisors are more in tune to seeing signs of stress, burnout and lethargy, it leads to catching problems a lot earlier. (A framework to create more mentally healthy workplaces: a viewpoint)
Offering flexible schedules, mental health days, and programs that encourage breaks are proven ways to support mental health. There are many types of alternative work schedules, such as telehealth, flex days, and shorter work weeks, especially after the pandemic. Have frank discussions with your employees about what they are struggling with, and ways to accommodate the employee while also getting work complete. If telehealth or schedule altering isn’t possible, it is still worth a conversation to see if burn-out can be addressed in other ways.
Most importantly, employers can foster open conversations about mental health by implementing clear communication and anti-discrimination policies. Educating staff about mental health and providing a safe environment for discussions are critical steps. If employees don’t feel safe at work, they will eventually look elsewhere.
Creating mentally healthy workplaces is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity. By investing in mental health initiatives, organizations not only improve employee well-being but also drive innovation and sustainable success. People are not machines and need positive feedback, adequate breaks, and clear communication to truly thrive at what you hired them to do- excel!