Workplace mental health: 5 ways to support employee wellness, boost retention

Recent studies have shown that employee retention rates are significantly higher when companies provide resources that support their mental health, according to the Top Employers Institute.

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Mental health is crucial to overall well-being, affecting every aspect of our lives, including work. Recent studies have shown that employee retention rates are significantly higher when companies provide resources that support their mental health. Top Employers Institute has identified some essential resources companies can give employees to improve their mental health and retain them long-term.

Flexible work arrangements: Companies can offer flexible work arrangements to their employees to help them better manage their work-life balance. This means that employees can work from home or choose their working hours to accommodate their personal responsibilities or mental health conditions.

Mental health support: Companies can offer mental health support to employees by providing access to trained professionals to help them manage their conditions. This can include counseling services, therapy sessions, or even psychiatric consultations.

Healthy work environment: Maintaining a healthy work environment is essential to improving mental health. Creating a positive work culture and promoting work-life balance can help reduce work-related stress and burnout.

Training and development: comprehensive training and development programs can help employees better manage their mental health, acquire new skills, and grow their careers. This can include training on conflict resolution, effective communication, or stress management techniques.

Employee Benefits: Companies can offer employee benefits such as health insurance, gym memberships, and wellness programs to support employees’ physical and mental health. The Top Employers Institute has found that companies offering these benefits have lower employee turnover rates and higher levels of job satisfaction.

Related: Wellness that works: Best practices to aid employees in their mental health journeys

In conclusion, companies prioritizing mental health can create a positive work environment supporting employee retention and job satisfaction. Offering flexible work arrangements, mental health support, and employee benefits while promoting a healthy work culture can significantly improve the well-being of employees, leading to a more productive work environment overall.

Trevor Bogan is Regional Director at Top Employers Institute.