mental health Archives - That's Good HR

Gone are the days when employee well-being was seen as a “nice-to-have” rather than a “must-have” in the corporate world.

Organizations have begun to recognize that supporting the mental health of their employees is not only a sign of empathy and compassion but a necessity for driving both company and employee success.

That’s why today we’re sharing practical ways that organizations can step up their game in prioritizing the well-being of their most valuable asset – their employees.

5 Ways to Boost Employee Mental Health

We know firsthand that while leaders are quick to acknowledge the importance of mental health in the workplace, conversations sometimes remain surface-level, focusing on the general idea of promoting mental well-being rather than discussing practical strategies.

That’s why we want to help bridge the gap between awareness of mental health and specific tips and tools worth integrating into your company culture.

Encourage Work-Life Balance

It’s no secret that encouraging work-life balance can help prevent burnout and improve overall well-being. But how can employers do this on a practical level? By providing flexible work arrangements, promoting time off, and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, employers can help foster a healthy balance for employees.

In a study by Gitnux, only 15% of managers believe their employees are taking adequate time off.

Remember: Having PTO policies in place and encouraging your hard-working employees to take time off for self-care are two completely different things.

When cashing in on paid time off is met with excitement, kindness, and understanding, you support the mental health and wellness of your workforce (while improving long-term engagement and staff retention, too!)

Provide Team-Building Activities

Company activities play a significant role in nurturing a sense of community and support within the workplace.

Team-building not only boosts morale and promotes collaboration, but it also creates opportunities for employees to build deeper relationships with their colleagues.

Social events, whether virtual or in-person, offer a chance for relaxation, fun, and bonding outside of typical work tasks. Time spent as a team, purely to have fun and build social connections, can foster a more positive company culture.

Did you know that organizations that often engage in team-building activities have a 36% higher employee retention rate, according to SHRM?

Don’t neglect the importance of bringing your team together to simply better connect among employees. Trust us, it does wonders for individual mental health and well-being.

Adequate Compensation

For the average employee, fair compensation is more than just a paycheck – it’s about knowing their hard work and dedication are valued. By offering competitive wages to hard-working employees, you’re also saying, “I see you. I appreciate you, and I recognize your efforts.”

Adequate compensation not only alleviates financial stress – it also motivates employees to perform at their best, but it’s not just about the paycheck.

Benefits packages that include healthcare, retirement plans, and wellness programs can all positively contribute to employees’ well-being.

When employees feel fairly compensated for their contributions, they are more likely to feel cared for as a person, not just an employee, which can have a positive impact on job satisfaction, and therefore, mental health.

Opportunities for Growth

We cannot stress enough how important it is to give team members opportunities to grow and advance within their company.

When you provide training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, you’re helping your employees learn new skills and become more confident in their work.

Plus, when you invest in their career development, it shows that you are invested and want to see them succeed. This kind of supportive environment not only makes employees happier and more engaged but also leads to a more skilled and motivated team.

In fact, in 2017, a study of 127 IT employees revealed that career development is far more likely to boost employee engagement than training initiatives alone.

Safe to say that when folks are both learning and advancing their careers, engagement is boosted, new ideas are sparked, and employee well-being flourishes.

Appropriate Workloads

No one likes feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and completely exhausted by their work.

When employees are given more work than they have the capacity for, it suddenly becomes far more challenging to implement mental health initiatives.

It’s crucial to set realistic goals, organize tasks strategically, and offer the right support to help your team navigate their workload. When employees feel supported and not swamped, they can work more efficiently, stay motivated, and be happier both inside and outside of work.

It’s all about finding that sweet spot where employees are excited and motivated by their output, not burnt out.

The Benefits of Positive Employee Mental Health for Organizations

From improved productivity and reduced turnover rates to enhanced creativity and innovation, investing in mental health initiatives can lead to a happier, more successful workforce.

Yep – prioritizing employee mental health can absolutely contribute to the overall success and growth of an organization. Here’s how…

Improved Company Culture

A company that prioritizes employee well-being not only attracts top talent but also retains it.

According to a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, 92% of employees find it very or somewhat important to work for an organization that values their mental and emotional health.

This stat highlights a growing awareness among today’s workforce: the importance of mental well-being in the workplace.

When employees feel their psychological well-being is valued, they are more likely to stay committed to the organization, leading to higher retention rates and a more stable workforce.

Increased Performance

The connection between mental health and employee performance is a crucial aspect of workplace dynamics.

Research consistently proves that employees with positive mental health are more focused, creative, and able to maintain consistent levels of performance. Additionally, when employees are mentally healthy, they tend to be more resilient, navigating workplace challenges and setbacks more effectively.

Low Employee Turnover

A study conducted by the World Health Organization found that companies that invest in mental health initiatives for their employees have a 25% lower turnover rate than those that don’t.

A positive and supportive workplace culture, coupled with initiatives that prioritize mental well-being, fosters a sense of loyalty and belonging among employees, reducing the likelihood of turnover.

By investing in mental health, organizations not only retain valuable talent – they also save resources otherwise spent on recruitment, onboarding, and training new employees, leading to a more stable and cohesive workforce.

Now who wouldn’t want that? 😉

That’s Good HR Can Help You Identify Mental Health Initiatives

Remember, investing in your employees’ mental health is not just about being socially responsible – it is a choice that can also positively impact your organization’s performance, culture, and bottom line.

Prioritize mental health in the workplace, and watch your employees thrive and succeed.

At That’s Good HR, we understand the significance of promoting mental health awareness and well-being in the workplace.

We can help you implement tailored employee mental wellness programs to support your staff and create a healthier work environment.

Contact That’s Good HR today to learn more about our services and how we can support your organization’s mental health initiatives.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, where employee wellbeing and mental health play a vital role in overall job satisfaction and productivity, it is more important than ever to find a workplace that prioritizes employee wellness.

Everyone wants to feel good both off and on the clock.

That’s why, as a job-seeker, you should be looking for green flags that show a potential employer cares about creating a positive and healthy workplace. Today, That’s Good HR is here to help you spot the signs of a supportive work environment, so you can make sure your next job aligns with your values and where you want to go in life, both personally and professionally.

Recognizing Employee Wellness Initiatives

Imagine this: You’ve spent months tirelessly searching for that perfect job opportunity, only to realize the once-promising opportunity is a toxic work environment that drains your energy and enthusiasm.

While there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for employee wellness, there are tale-tell signs that can guide you in spotting initiatives put in place to prioritize the health and happiness of the team.

Let’s dig deeper into these key signs that not only show a company’s commitment to employee wellbeing but also pave the way for a more fulfilling and supportive work environment.

Sign #1: Open Communication

One of the biggest key indicators of a mentally healthy workplace is open communication.

When there is a culture of open communication in the workplace, management and employees are more likely to establish strong relationships built on trust, respect, and shared goals.

Employees should feel free to share ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear of retaliation.

In an environment where open communication is valued, team members can speak candidly about their experiences, ideas, and challenges, which allows for constructive problem-solving and growth.

Sign #2: Work-Life Balance

In a workplace that prioritizes work-life balance, employees are encouraged to set healthy boundaries between their professional and personal lives.

Employers who recognize the importance of allowing employees to have time for their personal commitments, hobbies, and self-care often have policies in place that facilitate a healthy integration of work and personal life.

This could look like having the flexibility to manage their own workload, remote work options, PTO programs, or even access to resources that support their wellbeing outside of work.

Most importantly, managers and leadership should lead by example, demonstrating a healthy balance between their own work and personal life, and encouraging their team members to do the same.

Sign #3: Supportive Leadership

Supportive leadership is a crucial component of a mentally healthy workplace, setting the tone for a positive and empowering work environment.

When leaders show empathy, understanding, and a commitment to the wellbeing of their team members, they create a culture of trust, respect, and psychological safety.

Leaders should be approachable and accessible, making themselves available to listen to concerns, provide feedback, and offer support when needed. In fact, a study by Salesorce found that employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work.

Additionally, a study conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that adults who feel valued by their employer are significantly more motivated to do their best.

The verdict is in: when employees feel supported by their leadership, they are more likely to feel motivated, engaged, and committed to their work.

Sign #4: Low Employee Turnover

Low employee turnover is another potentially positive sign of a mentally healthy and supportive workplace. When an employee is satisfied, engaged, and supported in their role, they are more likely to stay with the organization for an extended period of time.

On the other hand, high turnover rates in organizations can sometimes indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Some common causes of high employee turnover include:

Lack of Growth Opportunities: When employees perceive limited prospects for career advancement or professional development within the organization, they may seek opportunities elsewhere.

Inadequate Compensation: Employees often leave organizations where they feel their compensation and benefits are not competitive or aligned with their contributions.

Poor Work-Life Balance: This is a significant factor in employee turnover, as a lack of balance between work and personal life can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.

Inefficient Management: A leadership style that lacks support, guidance, and effective communication can result in frustration and low morale among employees, driving them to seek other opportunities.

Ultimately, a low company turnover rate often signifies that employees are content, motivated, and committed to the organization, which contributes to higher productivity, morale, and overall company success.

Sign #5: Clear Opportunities for Growth

Organizations that provide clear opportunities for growth demonstrate a commitment to the professional development of their employees.

This can look like structured career paths, mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, or support for continued education.

Regardless of the specific opportunity, it is well-known that employees who see a clear path for advancement within their organization are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles.
Clear opportunities for growth also foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, leading to a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

Is your dream job even your dream job if your employer doesn’t make you feel valued and invested in your long-term success?? We didn’t think so!

Why A Supportive Workplace is Important to Employee Wellbeing

When you consider that the average American adult will spend up to 90,000 hours at work over the course of their life, it becomes obvious why a person’s workplace can have such a profound impact on their wellbeing, happiness, and overall life satisfaction.

Here are just a few of the benefits studies have found…

Positive Mental Health Outcomes

Prioritizing employee wellness supports positive mental health outcomes, reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout. Employees who feel mentally well are better equipped to handle challenges, make sound decisions, and maintain a positive, resilient attitude toward life.

Personal Development and Growth

Forward-thinking companies understand the importance of opportunities for professional AND personal development. And the best part? There is a ripple effect of positive change that benefits the entire organization when employees feel empowered to develop their capabilities.

Improved Work-Life Balance

Finding that sweet spot between work and personal life isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a game-changer. When you’re able to balance your professional responsibilities without sacrificing moments with family, friends, and self-care, you’ll ultimately see your job satisfaction and happiness grow.

Find Your Dream Job with That’s Good HR

Employee wellbeing is more than just a buzzword — it’s the secret sauce that can make or break your entire experience with an employer.

At That’s Good HR, we are truly committed to connecting job-seekers with positions where their skills, growth, and wellbeing are genuinely valued.Ready to make us the bridge that leads you to a fulfilling and rewarding career? Visit our website at https://thatsgoodhr.com/contact/ to learn more about what we can do for you and your future.

mental health

Mental Wellness in the Workplace: A Game-Changer for Employee Retention