Supporting Your Employees Who Need It Most: Give Mental Health First Priority.

But where does a boss begin? Setting a baseline is crucial before starting any new program.

The daily news cycle and life’s most recent difficulties are having an adverse effect on the American workforce. There is a pandemic that seems to have no end in sight, a polarizing political climate, social unrest, unregulated inflation, and an approaching recession. One in three American adults now suffer from depression, according to research from Boston University, which found that the high rates of depression that tripled in the early stages of the coronavirus epidemic have only gotten worse.

Stress and associated health care expenditures, absenteeism, and presenteeism are estimated to cost $300 billion annually, therefore the cost to organizations cannot be ignored. Employers have the chance to offer assistance and tools to help workers manage their mental health and wellbeing because adults spend more time working during their waking hours than engaging in any other activity. Employers agree that stress management is a major issue (85%), along with financial wellbeing and depression, according to a recent poll by the nonprofit Midwest Business Group on Health.

But where does a boss begin? Setting a baseline is crucial before starting any new program.

Following the establishment of a baseline, benefits and HR leaders should think about applying the following practical initiatives to enhance mental health and wellbeing at work:

• Educate people on the value of caring for their mental health and wellness and provide resources and activities to help them develop resilience. To spread and exchange best practices, collaborate with regional and national groups, including employer coalitions.
• Not being okay is acceptable. Be encouraging and assist staff in locating helpful resources. Keep your messaging current and relevant. Offer simple, all-inclusive solutions that are simple to implement, prevent hefty deductibles, and engage and encourage staff.
• Eliminate stigma at work. Although it is easier said than done, start by requesting that senior leadership set an example by being upfront and honest about their own mental health. Create an employee resource group for mental health and wellbeing, share employee success stories, and promote constructive conversation about this issue at work.
• emphasize overall health and provide initiatives that encourage a fit lifestyle and a good work-life balance. Promote the value of taking time off to unwind and recharge; think about providing paid “mental health” day(s) and hold managers responsible for ensuring that workers use their earned vacation time.
• Managers should receive training on how to recognize, assist, and refer workers who may be going through a mental health or substance use concern or crisis to the proper internal and external resources. One such training program is Mental Health First Aid.

The State of Illinois is a prime example of a company that is committed to promoting its employees’ social, financial, and emotional wellbeing in addition to their physical health. Be Well Illinois is a program that provides a comprehensive approach to health for state employees, retirees, and their families. Health plan information and instructional services, such as wellness webinars, monthly health awareness campaigns, financial wellness, healthy eating, and exercise, are advantageous to participants. Employee participation in these programs is made simpler and more successful by adopting a more all-encompassing approach to health and wellness and by fostering a work environment and culture that support these initiatives.

A thorough well-being program can boost both an organization’s financial performance and employee wellness. Improved employee health and morale will benefit employers who appreciate and are committed to fostering a worksite culture of health and will assist drive your organization’s success.

Source: https://www.benefitspro.com/2022/09/06/helping-your-employees-who-are-not-okay-prioritize-mental-health/