Supporting employees with mental health struggles involves creating a safe, inclusive, and responsive workplace culture. Often, employees are unaware of the many benefits available to them. Here are some effective ways to assist.
Promote an Open Culture by normalizing conversations regarding mental health. Avoid stigma by using supportive, non-judgmental language.
Provide Mental Health Resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Partner with mental health professionals for on-site or virtual counseling. Share any resources for hotlines, apps, or community services.
Train Managers how to respond with empathy and refer employees to appropriate assistance. Educate managers on how to recognize signs of stress and burnout. Encourage regular, supportive check-ins.
Generate Flexible Work Options that allow for remote work, flexible hours, or mental health days. Consider workload adjustments during times or high stress or recovery.
Review Policies and Benefits that include mental health coverage in health insurance plans. Ensure sick leave policies include mental health-related absences. Avoid punitive responses to time off due to mental health.
Encourage Work-Life Balance that includes promoting breaks, time off, and boundaries with after-hours communication. Offer wellness programs like mindfulness, yoga, or resilience training.
Foster Belonging and Support by ensuring inclusion and equity practices support diverse mental health needs. Create peer support groups or employee resource groups.