5 ways managers can support their employees' mental health

October 10th is known worldwide as World Mental Health Day. This year, the World Mental Health Association announced the official theme: “It's time to prioritize mental health in the workplace.” Momentum to address employee mental health has been increasing for some time. Gallup estimates that employee mental health issues cost the U.S. economy a whopping $47.6 annually. Additionally, 40% of employees say their work has a somewhat negative or extremely negative impact on their mental health.

Making employee mental health a strategic priority starts with companies offering robust benefits. Examples include mental health insurance, employee assistance programs, lifestyle management programs, drug rehabilitation, and stress management courses. Here are five more ways leaders can promote mental health in the workplace.

Establish open, two-way communication

According to the American Psychological Association's 2023 Work in America survey, mental wellness is a very high priority for employees. However, 43% of respondents fear that telling their employer about a mental health problem would have a negative impact on them at work. To allay these fears, leaders should talk openly about their own mental health issues. Establish an open-door policy so your team feels comfortable asking you for advice. When those in power are vulnerable and transparent, it helps reduce stigma and encourages workers to be open themselves. Sharing real stories about mental health is another effective strategy. One example is Barclays’ “This Is Me” campaign, which encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work. Using videos, photos, articles and posters, colleagues share their personal stories to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace.

Provide mental health education and training

Managers have a greater impact on mental health than doctors and therapists. This emerges from a survey by the Workforce Institute at UKG among 3,400 people in 10 countries. Even more surprising is that 69% of respondents say managers have as much of an impact on their mental health as their spouses. Because of their critical leadership role, supervisors deserve mental health training. In addition to creating a supportive environment, training managers to recognize the warning signs of mental illness can help reduce absenteeism and turnover. Additionally, educating employees on mental health issues helps raise awareness of common disorders such as burnout, anxiety, addiction, and substance abuse. Some companies like Unilever are training their workforce to be mental health advocates. Since 2020, the company has empowered nearly 4,000 employees worldwide to offer non-judgmental help to those who need support.

Incorporate nature into the workplace

According to micronature research published in the Harvard Business Review, incorporating nature at work improves performance, well-being and creativity. The study authors suggest incorporating natural light, windows with nature views, plants (real or artificial), or indoor water features into an office environment. Nature-inspired artwork, photos, videos, and murals can also be inspiring. Promoting a healthy lifestyle also includes taking advantage of company-sponsored outdoor activities such as bike share programs, fitness classes and wellness retreats. Finally, flexible working hours enable employees to work remotely at external locations. Flexible schedules also benefit individuals during the summer season, when seasonal affective disorder affects millions of Americans annually.

Cultivate psychological safety

An important factor in workplace well-being is that employees feel comfortable voicing their opinions and challenging the status quo, which is known as psychological safety. When psychological safety is present, employees are encouraged to share ideas without fear of judgment or negative consequences. This not only helps create a diverse and inclusive environment, but also increases performance and retention. This concept is so valued that in a McKinsey survey, 89% of employees surveyed said they believe psychological safety is critical in the workplace. There are many steps leaders can take to create a psychologically safe environment:

• Listen to employees and their needs
• Promote peer-to-peer recognition
• Promote open communication by soliciting input
• Show appreciation when others speak up
• Frame mistakes as learning experiences

When leaders set the right tone, teams feel included, engaged and free to be their authentic selves.

Implement workload management strategies

Unmanageable workloads are often the main cause of work-related stress and excessive demands. To prevent employee burnout, managers can implement specific strategies:

• Set clear expectations
• Set achievable goals and objectives
• Participate in resource management and capacity planning
• Use automation to increase efficiency
• Encourage healthy boundary setting
• Help your team prioritize the most critical tasks
• Monitor work hours to ensure employees are not chronically overworked

Effective workload management is critical to protecting employee mental health. By ensuring your team is able to work effectively and efficiently, you are setting them up for success.

Employees who feel supported in their mental health are more likely to be engaged, creative and productive. Understand your team’s challenges and ensure your strategy addresses their needs. By prioritizing the well-being of your workforce, you foster a positive culture, retain top talent, and accelerate business growth.