10 Ways To Support Your Employees Mental Health

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a programme of the World Federation for Mental Health. This year, the focus is on Mental Health for All.

Although more of us are talking about mental health, it remains a stigmatised topic. Research recently released by Bupa highlights a worrying pattern of Brit’s “bottling up” our true feelings. 

It’s estimated that up to 82% of us struggle with our mental health. Anxiety, low self-esteem and hopelessness are just a few problems people are suffering from. Yet almost half of us admit to not talking to anyone about the struggles.

During these times of uncertainty, it’s important for employer’s to provide mental health support for their workforce. In honour of World Mental Health Day, we’ve put together 10 ways for businesses to support their employees mental health.

10 Ways To Support Your Employees Mental Health

Regular Face-to-Face Check-Ins

Loneliness remains one of the biggest challenges facing remote workers.

Support your employees by checking in with them regularly. This can be on a one-on-one basis, or in a group.

Encourage Discussion

It can be hard to talk about our mental health. However, research has shown that discussing our feelings and concerns can help improve overall wellbeing.

Encourage your employees to discuss their mental health.

Share Mental Health Resources

Sharing mental health resources with your employees can help show you’re supporting them.

Share resources through a newsletter or dedicated digital channel. Help improve mental wellbeing in your workplace with these free resources from Mind.

Transparency is Key

Employees are already feeling heightened anxiety. The last thing they need is to feel that they are unsure about their employer’s directives or business goals. Be open and honest with your workforce.

Transparency in the workplace is a key ingredient to a positive company culture. A transparent approach can motivate employees and help to solidify loyalty. Both small and large businesses can benefit from a transparent workplace. Find out 3 benefits to a transparent workplace here.

Make Time For Physical Activities

Physical activity is one of the best ways to alleviate stress and boost the spirit.

Physical exercise doesn’t just help with physical health, as it encourages your body to release endorphins. Endorphins are a hormone that increases happiness when released and can have a dramatic impact on mental wellbeing.

By helping your employees to exercise you can lower their feelings of stress and anxiety by reducing their cortisol levels at the same time as increasing their production of endorphins.

A reduction in stress will help your employees feel energised and more positive overall, making your business a happier environment. Read more about the importance of physical activity as an employee benefit here.

Make Employee Wellbeing A Priority

Fostering employee wellbeing benefits employees and employers alike. Businesses that promote employee wellbeing see positive benefits on their overall workforce. Reduced sick leave, improved staff retention and increased productivity are just a few.

When implemented correctly, employee wellbeing initiatives encourage employees to maintain healthy behaviours – both at work and at home. 

Find out how you can use data to evaluate employee wellbeing here.

Keep The Conversation Going

Workplace culture must be nurtured, which means you can’t just mention mental health once and expect it to catch on. Find multiple opportunities to incorporate the subject into your employees’ day so it stays top-of-mind.

Mental health shouldn’t be a subject that is mentioned once and then forgotten. Encourage your team to keep the conversation going. Provide opportunities to incorporate discussions around mental health into your employees’ every day.

Send A Mental Health Survey

Some employees feel more comfortable opening up about their mental health through a survey.

Opening up our mental health in a face-to-face setting can be hard. A mental health survey can provide a valuable outlet to discuss our wellbeing. Looking for more insights into your team? hug can help. Click here to book your demo today.

Support Employees During Times of Illness

A problematic stigma in the workplace are employees not feeling supported by their employer when they are unwell. Taking a day or two off of PAID leave can help mitigate the spread of things like common colds and flu.

During times of increased stress and anxiety, it may also be prudent to support your employees to take a mental health day. Part of preventative health involves giving your mind and body a break every now and then, and allowing your staff to miss work in order to recharge can help them stave off more serious health issues down the road.

Express Gratitude Often

Getting recognition for a job well done can have a huge positive influence on your employees.

The simple act of expressing gratitude can have significant positive benefits. It can boost employee morale, increase productivity, and create a more positive working environment.

Thank people individually for their efforts. Recognise groups of employees and their success. Where appropriate, share your gratitude across the wider business! Newsletters, company Slack channels – celebrate and express your gratitude.

Support Your Team With hug. hug can help you understand your team. With holistic, real-time analysis of your employee wellbeing, hug smart matches products, services and benefits to the needs of your employees. Request your demo today.