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8 Effective ways to improve mental health in the workplace

Where once there was a stigma, today, we understand the critical importance of addressing mental health in the workplace. Every year,1 in 5 adultswill experience a mental health condition, and1 in 20of them will be severe. The impact mental health has on the global economy is staggering — the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates it costs around$1 trillionannually.

1. Address workplace stressors

Knowing how to improve workplace mental health involves addressing these known stressors.

Tips for addressing workplace stressors:

2. Create a safe and supportive work environment

Offering a safe and supportive work environment encourages open communication without any fear of judgment. This can foster mutual respect among colleagues. It can also establish a sensitive and empathetic environment so when someone’s struggling, they’ll be more inclined to reach out for help.

Addressing mental health in the workplace means encouraging employees to share feedback openly. Offer opportunities for anonymous input and requests so everybody feels comfortable and confident voicing their thoughts or concerns.

Tips for creating a safe and supportive work environment:

3. Offer & promote mental health benefits

Offering and promoting mental health benefits and resources to employees is critical to having a healthy mental health mentality in any organization. In addition, when leadership makes mental health a priority, it reinforces the importance of effectively and proactively addressing issues.

Tips for offering and promoting mental health benefits and resources:

4. Encourage work-life balance

Tips for how to encourage work-life balance:

“These days, folks are met with multiple stressors outside of work. And not having a handle on personal affairs, can negatively impact a productive work approach and also professional relationships and responsibilities. It’s imperative that employers offer employees time for personal needs, so that work efficiency is met proactively. We always feel better when we don’t feel stretched and getting that support from an employer is not only meaningful but also a sensible way to prevent losses and absenteeism.” -Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW

5. Promote physical health

‍Tips for promoting physical health:

6. Educate employees on mental health

Education is a key component to improving mental health, andmental health can positively impact productivity, retention, and job satisfaction. Emphasize the importance of recognizing mental health concerns and ensure resources are readily available when needed. Not only does this educate employees about the importance of mental health, but it also helps reduce the stigma around seeking help.

Tips for educating employees on mental health:

For more tips, learn how to talk about mental health at work with your employees.

7. Foster positive relationships

Fostering positive work relationships directly translates to creating a healthy work environment, reducing stress, and improving morale.

Tips for fostering positive relationships:

8. Provide opportunities for professional development

Opportunities for professional development create an environment that encourages employee growth, which can improve mental health. Employees who know they’re progressing will feel a sense of success, accomplishment, and motivation. Implement various strategies that support and encourage employee and personal growth and development.

Tips for providing opportunities for professional development:

Improve workplace mental health with Talkspace

Implementing strategies and programs designed to improve mental health is a significant first step if you’re looking for ways to improve mental health in the workplace. However, to further enhance mental health in your organization, consider partnering with a mental health provider likeTalkspace. A partnership like this can enhance any organization’s best efforts to learn how to support employees' mental health in the workplace, resulting in healthier, happier, more productive employees.

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Sources:

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