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Back to Work: Mental Health in the Workplace

Ashley Keaveney
Back to Work: Mental Health in the Workplace

Ignoring their employees' mental health is one of the most common mistakes that companies make today. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Yoh revealed that 76% of Americans feel that their employer does not make the mental health of its employees a priority. This study is a clear indication that companies need to focus on the wellbeing of their workforce, especially in today's candidate-driven market. 

In this episode of our Back to Work podcast series, Janet Gerhard, Director of Public and Community Affairs at FHE Health, and our host, Joe McIntyre, discuss why companies need to prioritize their employees' mental health in the workplace and how they can support their teams.

 

Listen to our Podcast here: 

 

 

Why Should Employers Support Mental Health? 

Working for a company that supports mental health is no longer something that workers view as an added bonus; it's become something they expect during their job search. If employers aren't making sure their teams are able to have a good work-life balance, people are going to burnout and look for work elsewhere. In the end, a company who prioritizes their employees' mental health are more likely to attract and retain top talent. 

Throughout the podcast, Janet uses her expertise to remind listeners that unmanaged stress and anxiety can lead to other health issues, so it's best to address mental health concerns before they escalate into something bigger. Organizations who create a happy and healthy environment for their employees will see increased productivity from their teams, driving better results throughout the organization. 

 

How Can Employers Support Mental Health? 

After Janet and Joe discuss why employers should support mental health, they provide expert insights into how employers can support mental health. The first thing that companies need to do is create a safe environment where people can talk openly about their mental health. Next, employers need to make sure all employees are aware of the mental health services they provide. Communication is key in order to give employees the help they deserve. 

Company leaders must also recognize the signs of someone who is struggling with their mental health. They should understand how to approach a team member who might be having a hard time, without crossing any boundaries. 

Speaking of boundaries — employers should set some to ensure their employees are not working too much and burning out. Taking small breaks, using time off, and only working the hours that they need to should all be encouraged. Taking these small steps will leave employees feeling appreciated, thus improving retention rates. 

 

To conclude the podcast, Janet and Joe talk about how far we have all come with our progress in acknowledging mental health in the workplace. We still have more progress to make, but following the expert advice in the podcast is a good way to start.

Listen to the full podcast for more insights here. 

 

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