We all experience it. We all face it daily. The fact is the world we live in has become increasingly taxing on our mental health. With stress levels at unprecedented highs and mental health claims on the rise, what can HR professionals do to create an environment that supports mental health and provide assistance for those in need and for themselves? A recent report from Wrike found that “94% of workers report feeling stress at work, and almost a third say their stress level is high to unsustainably high.”
HR departments have recognized the importance of mental health and well-being for their employees for several years. Most recently, with the pandemic-induced shift to remote work and the rise in mental health concerns, HR has been adopting new and innovative approaches to support employees.
Here are some new ways HR can create an environment that supports Mental Health:
Digital Mental Health Resources:
With the rise of technology, HR is incorporating digital mental health resources to support their employees. These resources include mental health apps, online therapy, and virtual mental health programs that employees can access at their convenience.
If you are looking for innovative ways to provide support to employees, check out this list of popular resources from MindWise.
Mental Health Days:
Organizations have started offering employees mental health days to take time off from work to focus on their mental well-being. This recognition by employers that mental health is just as important as physical health has helped to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
Mindfulness Programs:
HR departments are introducing mindfulness programs that encourage employees to take short breaks during the workday to practice mindfulness exercises. These programs are aimed at reducing stress, improving focus, and increasing overall well-being.
Popular examples of mindfulness programs to reduce stress and improve engagement include yoga, meditation sessions, and short walks during the day. Before implementing these programs into practice, we recommend submitting a survey to your employees to see what most interests them.
Employee-Led Mental Health Initiatives:
Some companies are empowering employees to lead mental health initiatives in the workplace. This approach helps to create a culture where mental health is openly discussed and encourages employees to support each other.
Mental Health First Aid Training:
HR departments are training employees to become mental health first aiders. These trained individuals can recognize the signs of mental health issues and provide support and resources to colleagues in distress.
If you are interested in learning more about training opportunities, click here to access resources by Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Mental Health Champions:
In addition to mental health training, some HR departments are appointing mental health champions within their organizations. These champions are responsible for promoting awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Human Resources has the influence to make meaningful changes to policies and culture promoting the importance of mental health and well-being. By placing an emphasis on mental health, you can help create an environment where your employees feel supported. Increasing awareness and providing easy access to resources and education is a powerful step to helping change the way the world views mental health.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, there is a lot of added pressure on HR professionals to provide support to their colleagues. With all the stress May brings, make sure you take time to prioritize your own well-being.
If you need help with prioritizing your own mental health needs, we highly recommend reading our article “Empowering HR Professionals – Taking Better Care of YOUR Mental Health“.
For more resources to help shape your company, check out our other articles on the Bentek Blog.
