Once a baseline is established, some of the practical strategies that benefits and HR leaders should consider implementing to improve mental health and wellbeing in the workplace include:

Create an awareness about the importance of taking care of one's mental health and wellbeing and offer tools and programming to build resilience. Partner with local and national organizations, including employer coalitions, to extend and share best practices.
It's okay not to be okay. Be supportive and make it easy for employees to find resources that can help. Keep the messaging fresh and timely. Offer accessible, affordable, comprehensive solutions that avoid high deductibles, are easy to implement, and engage and motivate employees.
Remove stigma in the workplace. This is easier said than done but start by asking senior leadership to lead by example by talking openly about mental health. Establish a mental health and wellbeing employee resource group, share employee testimonials, and encourage healthy dialogue at the workplace around this topic.
Focus on total person health and offer programs that promote healthy lifestyle and work-life balance. Communicate the importance of taking time off to relax and refresh – consider offering paid "mental health" day(s) and make managers accountable for employees taking their earned vacation time.
Train managers to notice and support employees who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use concern or crisis and connect them with appropriate employee and community resources. Mental Health First Aid is one such training.

An excellent example of an employer focused on supporting not only the physical, but mental, financial and social wellbeing of their employees is the State of Illinois. Be Well Illinois is a program for state employees, retirees and their dependents that offers a comprehensive approach to wellness. Participants benefit from health plan information and educational resources including wellness webinars, monthly health awareness campaigns, financial wellness, healthy eating and exercise. Taking a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing and creating an environment and work culture that supports these efforts makes it easier for employees to engage in these programs and supports their success.

Instant Insights /

Helping your employees who are not okay: Prioritize mental health

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