Mental health is vital to our overall well-being and should be given the same importance as physical health. As we spend a significant portion of our day at work, our workplaces must be supportive environments prioritizing mental health. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and mental health issues in the workplace are common. Throughout this blog, we’ll explore the impact of mental health within the workplace and discuss ways business owners and employees can work together to create a healthier work environment for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we think, feel, and act. In addition, it helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Unfortunately, mental health illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. Over 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Individuals can experience different types of mental illnesses or disorders. The following are different types of mental illnesses:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Disruptive behaviors
The Importance Of Workplace Mental Health
As a business owner, your employees must be mentally fit at work and in their personal lives. Your workers' success is measured in various ways, including hitting productivity goals, achieving financial gains, completing projects, and simply showing up. Ensuring your employees are doing okay both mentally and physically is essential for the success of your employees and your business. A study shows that anxiety has reached its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the depression rate has tripled. In addition, individuals diagnosed with depression will miss, on average, 19 days of work per year and 46 days of being at work but unproductive. Not only does it have a negative impact on your employees, but it also affects your business when your employees aren’t performing at their best. So how can you help your employees struggling with a mental illness? The following are ways in which you could support mental health among your workforce:
- Help prevent burnout
- Make mental health policies clear
- Model healthy behaviors
- Build a culture of connection through check-ins
- Offer flexibility and be inclusive
- Communicate more than you think you need to
- Invest in training
- Encourage employees to take breaks throughout their workday
Younger Generations Prioritize Mental Health Benefits
Mental health has become increasingly important in recent years, and younger generations have been at the forefront of this movement. Unlike previous generations, they prioritize mental health benefits in their career and personal lives. 73% of Generation Z (Gen Z) employees and 74% of Millennial employees have utilized mental health benefits by their employers, while 58% of Generation X and 49% of Baby Boomer employees have utilized these benefits.
The reasons for this shift are multifaceted, but a major factor is the increased awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues. In the past, mental health was often seen as a taboo topic that should be kept private. However, today, individuals are encouraged to speak openly about their mental health struggles and seek help when needed.
Younger generations also face stressors that can impact their mental health. The rise of social media and technology has brought a constant need to be connected, leading to feelings of burnout and exhaustion. In addition, economic uncertainty, political instability, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to feelings of anxiety and depression among these younger generations. The pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health resources and support. It led to individuals experiencing increased isolation, anxiety, and depression. Many individuals turned to virtual therapy and support groups to cope with these challenges they’re faced with.
Because of these factors, younger generations seek workplaces prioritizing mental health benefits. According to a survey, Millennials and Gen Z prioritize work-life balance and mental health benefits over other job perks such as salary and vacation time.
Your employees that are grouped in the younger generations are seeking benefits that include the following:
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Counseling
- Grief support
- Mental health days off
- Workshops or seminars that focus on mental wellness
- Mental health coverage through medical insurance
- Financial planning seminars or counseling
Advantages Of Offering Mental Health Benefits To Your Employees
Offering mental health benefits to employees is beneficial for your employees and can also provide significant advantages for your business. The following are benefits you could experience if you offer mental health benefits to your employees:
-Increased productivity: When employees are given access to mental health benefits, they are better equipped to manage stress and anxiety, which can improve their overall well-being and productivity. Employees with access to mental health resources are more engaged, focused, and productive at work.
-Improved employee retention: Access to mental health benefits can increase employee loyalty and retention rates. Employees who feel their employer values their mental health are more likely to stay with the company and contribute to its success.
-Lower health care costs: Mental health conditions can lead to physical health problems, resulting in higher health care costs for employers. When you offer benefits, you can help prevent or manage these issues, ultimately reducing health care costs for your employees and your business.
-Reduced absenteeism: When your employees are struggling with their mental health, it can lead to an increase in absenteeism as they may need to take time off to manger their health. When they have access to mental health benefits, you can help your employees get the support they need to manger their mental health, which will reduce absenteeism.
-Improved company culture: Offering mental health benefits can create a positive company culture that values employee well-being. This can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce, which can improve the overall success of your business.
When you prioritize employee well-being, you can create a more productive, engaged, and loyal workforce while reducing health care costs.
Prioritize Your Health With GMS
Your employees are your biggest asset. The last thing you want is for your employees to struggle with their mental health and not have any support from their employer. It’s essential that you explore which mental wellness benefits your employees need to thrive in their roles. As Millennials and Gen Zers begin to dominate the workforce, it’s critical you consider what they want and begin to implement them within your business. Partnering with a professional employer organization (PEO) such as GMS can provide you with mental health benefits to your employees. We provide you with the following:
- Affordable health insurance plans through our group health insurance
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Access to our learning management system (LMS), where employees can partake in mental health training
- Experts to manage mental health claims and compliance
- Access to wellness programs
- And more!
GMS helps you prioritize your employees' mental health and creates a positive work environment that fosters growth and productivity. Let's tackle this together. Contact us today to learn more.