Ever experience times when too many commitments pile up at work and in your personal life? Does it make you feel distracted and overwhelmed to where it may affect productivity?
A workplace that addresses employee mental health with initiatives to support a culture of wellbeing has the opportunity to see a number of benefits, including an overall happier, more engaged workforce.
First, Some Facts
A survey from Mental Health America reports:
- Nine in 10 employees say their workplace stress affects their mental health.
- Three in five people are not receiving adequate support from their managers when it comes to dealing with stress.
- Four in five employees feel emotionally drained from their work, which is an early sign of burnout.
These statistics prove that employers should pay attention to how employees are feeling. Here are Best Care EAP’s recommendations to bolster an organization’s wellbeing efforts.
Enlist Frontline and Middle Managers
Frontline and middle managers have a pulse on their team and can notice subtle differences in behavior, productivity, and even changes in appearance. Managers should have an open dialog with their team to stay in touch with how everyone is feeling.
Lead by Example
As executive leaders, let others see how you take care of your own mental wellbeing. Share activities that work for you, and be vulnerable. Talk about your challenges. Use the company newsletter as a means to share a story or thoughts on supporting the organization’s mental health initiatives. You’d be surprised how effective your voice is with opening the door for others.
Talk It Up
Companies with solid approaches to workplace wellbeing usually integrate efforts into existing activities, like an Employee Resources Group (ERG). If your company has an ERG, challenge the group to create a PR campaign with mental wellbeing testimonials from employees. Have fun with a catchy name, like: Join “The Rockin’ Noggin Club.” Hold meetings over lunch to support efforts.
As employers look for ways to create a wellbeing culture, they should remember that there’s no one-size-fits all program. A positive workplace requires investment (i.e., time, intention and action) from all levels–executive leadership, managers and employees.
PRO TIP: Tap into Best Care EAP’s more than 60 one-of-a-kind educational and training webinars and informative articles found at www.BestCareEAP.org/Resource Hub. Use the content in company newsletters, post on your company intranet and share in all-employee emails.
If you feel your employees or company need additional assistance, Best Care EAP can help. For information on counseling, training or coaching services available from Best Care EAP, call Jean Faber at 402-354-8000 or email eap@bestcareeap.org.