Maintaining Mental Health in the Workplace

As more people become aware of the importance of addressing mental health conditions, employers must ensure they’re creating work environments that support the mental health and wellness of their workforce.

Approximately 1 in 5 employees in the U.S. say mental health problems such as depression or anxiety have made challenges in their jobs more difficult to handle over the past month.

Mental health conditions can be particularly challenging for younger workers. 29% of millennials, 17% of Gen Xers and 5% of baby boomers found work more challenging because of a mental health issue.

Providing support for employees with mental health and substance use issues can be economically beneficial for employers in the United States. By addressing workers’ needs, employers stand to recover:$217 million in lost days of work each year$17 billion annually in lost work$79 billion to $105 billion in indirect costs

A healthy and happy workforce is a productive workforce. How can managers ensure their employees maintain their mental health?

  • Create a culture of acceptance.
  • Raise awareness about the reality of mental health challenges.
  • Support employees through formal training and education.
  • Incentivize wellness initiatives.
  • Promote wellness in benefits packages.

American Psychological Association; http://www.apaexcellence.org/assets/general/2017-work-and-wellbeing-survey-results.pdf
National Business Group on Health; https://www.businessgrouphealth.org/pub/?id=F3139C4C-2354-D714-512D-355C09DDCBC4