How to Promote Employee Wellbeing and Mental Health

“For every $1 put into scaled-up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.” - World Health Organization (WHO)

Developing programs to support mental health in the workplace should be a priority. Risks to mental health in the workplace include: poor team cohesion, insufficient support for employees, bullying and psychological harassment, poor management and communication policies and difficulty working. Individuals across all levels of an organization need support for their mental wellbeing, and the responsibility of promoting a culture that supports mental health falls on managers, leaders and HR professionals.

When creating a plan to support mental health, managers and leaders can divide their efforts into three categories:

Prevention and planning
Support and understanding
Measuring and growing

There are seven key preventative and planning steps employers can take:

Addressing modifiable risk factors
Developing policies concerning harassment prevention
Promoting mental health literacy
Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health
Rewarding metrics like creativity and teamwork
Offering a safe, quiet space for breaks and relaxation
Addressing individual and organizational concerns when building a company culture.

To learn more, check out this infographic created by the Rider University Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program.

Detailed tips for promoting employee wellbeing and mental health in the workplace

Sarah Daren

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in multiple industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, nursing, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her two children. When she's not watching the New York Yankees play, Sarah enjoys practicing yoga and reading a good book on the beach.