5 Methods to Excel in Your Workplace with Mental Health Support for Employees

Work can feel overwhelming at times, which is more evident in corporate workplaces. People have deadlines to meet, projects to finish, and long to-do lists. While it’s normal to feel stressed from time to time, constant pressure can lead to bigger problems, like anxiety or burnout. That’s why mental health support in the workplace is so important.

When employees have access to help and resources, they can feel better, work better, and be happier at their jobs. With good mental health support, employees can excel at work, and companies can maximize their efficiency so everybody wins.

Why Mental Health Support for Employees Matters

When employees are struggling with their mental well-being, it can affect their ability to focus, make decisions, and get their work done. This can lead to mistakes, missed deadlines, and even a negative work environment that impacts team morale. On the other hand, when employees feel supported and have access to mental health resources, they are more likely to feel motivated, productive, and engaged in their work.

According to a 2019 survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 23% of Canadian workers reported feeling burnt out "often" or "always" at work, and 44% felt that their mental health had worsened due to work-related stress. We know that these statistics have increased since the pandemic with the change in how we work, higher rates of anxiety and increased loneliness. Not to mention all of the change and uncertainty that is occurring in so many organizations leaving employees increasingly stressed, anxious and distracted.

How Can Employers Provide Mental Health Support to Workers?

There are many ways companies can support their employees' mental health. Some examples are:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

  These programs offer confidential counselling and mental health support for employees to help staff cope with personal or work-related issues. Reducing stigma associating with accessing these programs can go a long way to helping your employees and their families which is key to employee mental well-being.

• Mental Health Days:

  Encouraging employees to take time off before being overwhelmed by work or in their personal life can help them reset, recharge and return to work feeling refreshed. Mental health days are early intervention or like strategic investments where the return is a happier and healthier employee. If mental health days can prevent short or long-term disability from unhealthy stress, they are doing their job.

• Wellness Programs:

  Offering yoga, meditation, or stress-management workshops are just some examples of how you can help employees learn techniques for coping with stress, calming both body and mind. Find out what matters to your employees and try to align programs with their current interests. They will be more invested, have greater participation and talk up the benefits to their peers.

• Open Conversations:

  Create an environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health and make resources known and accessible. This can lead to early access to support and is a cornerstone for psychological health and safety in the workplace. Moreover, when mental health is seen as health (whether that is going to the doctor, getting a massage or accessing counselling), we change a culture and end mental health stigma.

• Leadership Training:

  Leaders wear multiple hats and a lot is expected of them. Not all leaders have had training in mental health conversations nor are they skilled in prioritizing their own mental health. Learning the needs of your leadership team on what they need to manage overwhelm, and prevent their own burnout while keeping employees buoyant is important for overall organizational health. Investing in timely leadership development can positively impact leader well-being and the teams they support.

In summary: 

Supporting mental health in the workplace is not just the right thing to do—it’s also smart for business. By providing a range of methods and supports for employees, employers can create a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment for everyone. This contributes to a workplace culture of mental well-being and ultimately can make your company an even greater place to work.

If you are an organization in Winnipeg looking for expand mental health support for your employees, please get it touch.