HR leaders understand better than anyone the importance of a happy, healthy workforce. Engaged employees are more creative, productive, and loyal. In today’s fast-paced work environment, mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise. These challenges take a toll on your people and your organization.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and only half receive treatment. The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years. Your people undoubtedly have experiences with mental illness, and they will spend an average of 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. A supportive workplace culture is the key to improving mental health and well-being for millions of employees.
In this article, we’ll explore actionable strategies organizations can implement to create a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being. We will spotlight how small steps can lead to big progress in mental health. We’ll also discuss how incorporating mindfulness and meditation into daily life can be a powerful tool to support your employees’ mental health and foster a thriving work environment.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Boost presence and productivity
Empowering employees to be mindful at work unlocks a treasure trove of mental health benefits. Author Annie Dillard reminds us, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Present, mindful employees find their flow and boost accomplishment. Prioritizing employee well-being transforms work from a drain into a wellspring of fulfillment.
Mindfulness at work isn’t about sacrificing results; it’s about focusing on the quality of effort. Meditation and mindfulness practices equip employees with the focus, stress management skills, and emotional regulation they need to level up. For example, an accessible and straightforward mental health app like Headspace offers guided exercises to meet unique needs and seamlessly integrates into daily routines. Empower your staff with tools to take charge of their well-being and full potential.
In the press: Headspace and Espresa Partner to Support Global Well-Being
How to promote mental health at work
The bedrock of strong mental well-being is a supportive workplace culture where employees can safely discuss mental health challenges without fear of judgment. Mental health inclusion and open communication foster trust and encourage help-seeking behavior, paving the way for a healthier, happier workforce.
Leaders who champion mental health and prioritize work-life balance set a powerful example. They normalize boundary setting, emphasize the importance of personal well-being, and demonstrate their genuine commitment to a healthier, happier workforce.
When possible, embrace flexibility. Recognize that a healthy work-life balance looks different for everyone. Flexible work arrangements like hybrid, remote work, or compressed workweeks tailored to personal needs empower employees to prioritize well-being without sacrificing productivity.
1. Destigmatize and diversify mental health support
Prioritizing employee mental health is a strategic investment in your workforce’s well-being and overall success. By offering a comprehensive suite of resources beyond traditional corporate benefits, you equip your team with the tools they need to thrive inside and outside the office.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and confidential counseling services remain a cornerstone for mental health. But there’s always room to expand your well-being toolbox. For example, companies that embrace the convenience of telehealth platforms connect employees with therapists virtually. This removes geographical barriers and offers the most flexible access to care.
Next-level companies step outside the traditional box and explore lifestyle benefits that promote mental well-being. Gym memberships, fitness class subscriptions, or on-site yoga sessions encourage physical activity, an undeniable stress reliever and relaxation booster. Additionally, consider offering financial wellness programs or educational workshops on healthy sleep habits to head off stress and anxiety before they take a toll on employee mental health.
2. Recognize and reward healthy behaviors
Recognition is the fuel that propels positive behavior changes. Celebrate your people with rewards and recognition programs to highlight healthy habits and validate and empower work-life balance.
Publicly recognize employees participating in company-sponsored wellness initiatives, like fitness challenges or health fairs. Future-focused leaders reward participation, not just results. They understand that sustainable healthy behaviors take time to build. For example, employees should be acknowledged when utilizing well-being resources rather than completing a program. Simply seeking support demonstrates a commitment to self-care.
Think beyond traditional bonuses and get creative with rewards. Offer healthy meal delivery services, gym memberships, or wellness gift cards as incentives for participation in well-being programs. And make well-being a team effort. Encourage open communication about personal needs and boundaries. On a healthy team, employees feel comfortable taking breaks for mental health or scheduling appointments during work hours.
3. Build strong connections
A healthy workplace culture isn’t static. It’s a dynamic ecosystem that promotes employee well-being and collective excellence. Move beyond individual performance measures and create opportunities for teamwork focused on collaboration and shared success. A sense of belonging and purpose strengthens bonds between colleagues.
Elevate team-building experiences beyond the typical ropes course. For example, employee volunteer programs promote synergy while giving back to the community. And remember to celebrate milestones big and small. Recognize individual and team achievements, both work-related and personal, to foster a sense of community and accomplishment, building connections and boosting morale.
Healthy disagreements sharpen our thinking and lead to innovative solutions. Supply employees with the tools to navigate these situations constructively. A team that embraces diverse perspectives, even when they lead to disagreements, ultimately makes stronger decisions. Authentic communication and active listening skills create a more positive and supportive work environment.
4. Set clear expectations
To truly prioritize employee well-being, it’s essential to establish clear expectations around work processes, communication, and healthy boundaries. Avoid overload and prevent absenteeism, presenteeism, quiet-quitting, or burnout.
First, establish clear expectations around communication. Define preferred methods, response times, and availability for meetings and emails. Help employees manage expectations and avoid feeling constantly on-call to reduce stress and foster a healthy work-life balance.
Next, foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable discussing their workload and voicing concerns when they feel overwhelmed. Help employees learn techniques to manage daily stress and find inner calm. And regular check-ins provide opportunities to address issues proactively and adjust expectations as needed.
Finally, clear expectations (beyond deadlines) create a predictable and supportive work environment. Employees who feel confident in their workload and have the tools to manage their time effectively are more engaged, productive, and less likely to burn out.
5. Recharge and refocus
Long work hours are a recipe for overwhelm and exhaustion, not productivity. To support mental health and promote employee well-being and performance, create a culture that embraces strategic breaks, generous paid time off (PTO), and strategic unplugging.
Encourage short breaks throughout the workday – a few minutes to stretch, grab a healthy snack or simply step away from the screen. Strategic breaks combat natural energy dips, promoting focus and overall productivity. Instead of a marathon of meetings, empower employees to structure their workflow proactively. Shorter, focused work sessions followed by breaks create a personalized rhythm that optimizes well-being and performance.
Breaks look different for everyone. Hold space for recharging, from quiet relaxation areas to designated walking paths and workout areas. Empower employees to find the type of break that revitalizes and refocuses them. And extend strategic rest beyond the workday – set clear expectations around communication outside work hours. Promote the use of PTO, encouraging employees to unplug during vacation time fully.
Daily healthy habits: the superpower of well-being
The secret to long-lasting mental well-being isn’t dramatic change. It’s powerful everyday choices. Research shows that healthy habits are like sunshine for your mind. Lifestyle choices have become increasingly important for anyone wanting to reach their full potential in the workplace.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor nutrition is linked to lower cognitive performance and reduced productivity at work. Inadequate sleep can lead to decreased alertness, impaired decision-making, slower reaction times, and reduced concentration. Smart leaders help their people develop healthy sleep habits and create healthy routines that contribute to overall well-being.
It is possible to stay centered amidst daily pressures. Mindfulness practices, readily accessible through the Headspace app, can unlock this superpower. With just a few minutes daily, your team will cultivate healthy habits around sleep, eating, movement, and focus. And build a foundation for long-term mental resilience and well-being in their lives.
Boost well-being and unlock potential
Mental health matters. In today’s evolving world, workplaces are stepping up to support their employees’ well-being with strategic lifestyle benefits. Espresa and Headspace are partnering to bridge gaps in mental health care and promote well-being for all at work.
Espresa’s well-being marketplace makes it effortless to tap into the power of Headspace, the go-to app for mental health. Simply use LSA funds to access guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and a wealth of resources to help employees support their total well-being. The best part? There’s no need to spend extra money or deal with claims—it’s seamlessly integrated.
Take charge of mental health and total well-being to power a healthier and happier workplace. With a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) from Espresa, every member of your team can realize their full potential. Contact our team to learn more about Espresa and schedule a demo!
