Mental health is more than the way we think and how we navigate feelings. Mental health affects a person’s behavior, the way they interact with others, and how they carry out daily life. As a leader in your workplace, employee mental health should be one of your top priorities. That’s because, according to Harvard Business Review, 91% of employees feel burnt out from work-related stress.

There are several simple and cost-effective ways you can support and encourage workplace mental health. Follow these mental health tips to improve productivity, work satisfaction, and employee retention in your organization:

• Be mindful of office conversations and the language your employees use when talking about mental health
• Take proactive steps like offering mental health days in addition to sick days
• Encourage your employees to have hobbies outside of work
• Provide your employees with mental health training

Be mindful about mental health conversations in the workplace

To support your employees, start with being mindful of your words and actions. When talking about mental health in the office, using words like “insane,” “crazy,” or “mental” to describe a busy week or a person who is stressed can have negative consequences on the work environment.

Instead, check-in with your employees and show genuine concern for those that may be struggling with a mental illness. Always interact with others with a positive and genuine attitude and offer resources if they need them

Be proactive, not reactive when problems arise

According to Harvard Business Review, 42% of employees have left a job because of burnout. Checking-in with your employees, particularly during busy times of the year, is important. Make sure they’re taking the time-off they need to maintain good overall health. Consider adding mental health days in addition to sick days to your company’s employee benefits. By doing so, you can improve your employees’ mental health, performance, and job satisfaction. 

Encourage your employees to have hobbies outside of work

It’s good for your co-workers and employees’ mental health if they spend time participating in activities that are enjoyable and relaxing. Provide opportunities in your organization for team bonding outside of work and encourage your employees to take part in hobbies they enjoy.

In order to promote health and wellness around the workplace, consider adding a gym membership as a part of a company-wide wellness program. A program like this allows employees to work on their physical health, which in turn improves their mental health. Employees who exercise may be happier and less likely to suffer from depression and more satisfied with their lives in general. 

Provide your employees with training

Introducing different mental health services to your employees will be beneficial to them and the overall morale of your company. Invite a healthcare professional or therapist to speak about available resources, stress management, and self-care. You can find a list of Osceola County resources for you and your co-workers in the Community Vision resource guide.  

Implementing mental health care within your company will benefit all aspects of your business. By taking care of your employees, you’re taking care of your company. Life is busy, work is stressful, and it’s important to set time aside to care for your mental health as well as others.

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The Check-In Project is a mental health initiative of Wraparound Osceola, working to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Our goal is to provide employers with the tools and resources needed to create a workplace environment which fosters the importance of mental health of all employees.