The Importance of Mental Health Care at Work
It’s not always an easy conversation to have. In a time where everyone is experiencing a form of unrest, it’s an important conversation. In a normal year without a global pandemic, civil unrest, and an election, 20% of adults will experience poor mental health. What you need to know is how to support your employees, not what they are facing, not what they are doing outside of work. You might feel very close to your employees due to the size of your business, but there are guidelines you can follow to protect your business relationships.
Here are things to consider:
What mental health benefits does your health care plan offer?
Sometimes, it’s hard to offer all encompassing health care plans from a widely accepted insurance company at the beginning. However, it would be a good idea to take a look at the logistics of how much it would cost your business. Mental health care should be a high priority.
How has the productivity been at work? Increased, decreased, stable?
This can indicate the overall health of the office. If you’re noticing a decline, it might be time to see what’s going on with your employees. This could be indicative of low drive or motivation.
Where is your mental health at?
Your mental health can absolutely have an effect on the people who are working around you. It’s important to be aware of where you are and see how that changes your behavior at work.
Have you had the conversation?
Opening up the lines of communication are imperative to getting people the help they need. Letting your team know that you support them and you want them to be healthy and happy is a great way to make your company culture better.
What’s the culture like now?
Before you can make it better, ask your employees about their work environment. If there is a lot of confusion, unattainable goals, lack of leadership, and piecemealed procedures, the environment can be highly stressful for your employees.
Now what?
After sitting down and discussing things with your team, you have to take action. It’s always easier said than done, but if you invest in your employees, they will invest in your company.
- Have a mental health professional come speak at your office
- Partner with local therapists
- Host or send your employees available webinars
- Find resources that are covered by your insurance
- Locate affordable care for employees who may not be able to afford an expensive program
- Set up a quiet space at work for cooling down
- Encourage open dialogue about mental health
- Offer mental health days
Here are available Webinars:
Troy Chamber of Commerce: Mental Health Webinar
Mental Health America: Mental Health Care for Healthcare Workers
COE: Health and Wellness in the new Normal
National Safety Council: Mental Health Webinar Series