Have you ever noticed that some days your team is incredibly productive, and other days, it feels like their energy or focus just isn’t there? It’s a common experience in many workplaces, but often, the link between mental health and work performance is overlooked. Many managers view mental health as a “personal” issue, separate from professional responsibilities. But in reality, mental health challenges can affect employees just as much as physical illness. Just as you would support an employee with the flu, it’s crucial to be equipped to offer help when someone is struggling mentally or emotionally.
Every employee has mental health, regardless of their job title or role. And at any given time, one in three employees is dealing with a mental health issue—whether it’s their own struggle or someone close to them. Great leaders recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated with the same care and urgency. Here’s what all employers and managers should know about mental health: Mental health affects thinking, feeling and behaving.
Mental illness can cause significant changes in how someone thinks, feels, and behaves, making it difficult for them to function at work, at home, or in social situations.
- Mental illness doesn’t discriminate
It doesn’t matter someone’s age, gender, race, or background—mental health issues can affect anyone. No one is immune. - There are over 300 types of mental illnesses
From depression to anxiety, and PTSD, the range of mental health conditions is wide, with each requiring different kinds of care. - Mental illness is treatable
With the right resources, treatment, and support, most mental health conditions are manageable. The key is to seek help early and find the right support systems. - Workplace stress is real
Statistics show that 63% of Americans report feeling significant stress at work, and 54% struggle with anxiety. Additionally, one in three workers feel burned out, which can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and a general lack of engagement.
What Can Employers Can Do to Support Mental Health at Work?
As an employer, your role in supporting your team’s mental health is not just about offering sick leave—it’s about creating an environment where mental health is openly acknowledged, and employees feel supported when they need help. Here are some practical steps you can take to help improve the mental well-being of your team:
- Include mental health services as an add-on in your bene fits plan. Make sure that your company’s insurance plan covers mental health services. If not, consider adding this benefit to ensure employees have access to professional support when they need it.
- Provide access to self assessment tools. Help employees identify mental health challenges early by offering easy-to-use self-assessment tools. These tools can give employees a starting point in recognizing when they may need additional support.
- Train managers to recognize signs of stress. Equip managers with the knowledge to spot potential signs of mental health struggles, such as withdrawal, poor performance, or sudden changes in behavior. Providing managers with proper training can empower them to approach employees with compassion and encourage them to seek help.
- Share educational materials at onboarding, during staff meetings, through staff workshops and on your company website. Distribute materials on mental health to help reduce stigma and provide resources for support. Information can be empowering and help normalize mental health conversations in the workplace.
- Make wellness a part of your onboarding process. From day one, ensure that new hires know your company supports mental health. Including mental health resources and self-care plans as part of the onboarding process shows that your company prioritizes well-being.
- Host seminars or workshops for your employees. Provide opportunities for employees to learn techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. These workshops can improve focus and productivity, while also showing employees that mental health is a priority.
- Incorporate wellness into daily operations. Make mental health part of your company culture by including wellness practices in meetings, strategic planning, and day-to-day interactions. This ensures that well-being is prioritized at every level of the organization.
- Lead by example. As a leader, take care of your own mental health and seek help when necessary. Leading by example shows your team that it’s okay to ask for support and prioritize well-being.
The Bottom Line: A Healthier Team Is a More Productive Team
Mental health is not a “nice to have” in the workplace—it’s essential for creating a thriving, productive, and engaged team. By recognizing the importance of mental health, offering resources, and fostering a supportive environment, you can help your employees navigate challenges and succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
Care to Change professionals have worked with employers to help them better serve their team’s mental health needs. We can bring workshops, lunch and learns, and other formats based upon your needs. In addition, we can work together so you can offer reduced-price services as part of your employee benefits plan. We’d welcome the opportunity to discuss all the ways we can help, so please reach out to us today.