Changing trends and current events offer an opportunity to place a more concentrated emphasis on self-care, stress management and healthy routines, including practices that support mental health. Given that most individuals spend a majority of their time working, workplaces are uniquely positioned to play a critical role in prioritizing mental health during challenging times.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies the workplace as “an optimal setting to create a culture of health.” Workplaces naturally provide a built-in social structure, enabling employers to implement programs and policies focused on fostering positive communication and encouraging healthy behaviors. According to the CDC, these efforts can be enhanced by offering benefits, tools, and access to counseling, hosting seminars and workshops, and creating quiet spaces for team members to recharge.
The Post- Pandemic Shift in Mental Health Awareness
The post-pandemic years have brought heightened awareness of mental health challenges. Prolonged isolation and uncertainty amplified struggles for many, particularly those already grappling with mental health concerns. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that the number of adults experiencing anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms surged by 30% following the first year of the pandemic.
Despite this increased awareness, employees may still hesitate to discuss mental health issues at work.
A study conducted by Paychex revealed some of the common reasons for discomfort:
• The information is too personal.
• Nothing will come of it.
• Job security would be at risk.
• Promotions or advancement opportunities would be at risk.
• They are already disclosing issues with someone outside of work.
• Superiors are too busy.
• The fear of stigma or judgment makes it difficult to share.
The Business Case for Mental Health
As a business owner, prioritizing employee well-being reflects integrity, responsiveness, and transparency—and benefits both the workforce and the organization. Gallup underscores this point: “When your employees’ well-being is thriving, your organization directly benefits—they take fewer sick days, deliver higher performance, and experience lower rates of burnout and turnover.” Furthermore, research from a 2016 Public Health Summit found that nearly 86% of employees treated for depression reported increased productivity and improved work performance.
“By embracing strategies which support mental health,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Central East Texas said, “Businesses can create a workplace culture which fosters connection, and enhances overall organizational performance.”
Consider the following recommendations to help employers successfully instill a positive mental health culture for their team:
Foster Connection
Harvard Business Review emphasizes that “a culture of connection is key.” Even making a habit of asking “How are you?” can go a long way, as it gives co-workers the opportunity to open up. More importantly, though, is to keep the conversation going by asking how you can help. Conversations like this should be further explored in one-on-ones and encouraged between team members as well.
Psycom has a list of mental health tips for the workplace, like Ban.do founder Jen Gotch’s advice: “I do a thing called Office Hours, where any member of our team can schedule an hour with me to talk about, really whatever. Feelings, anything. And we have Slack conversations about finding a therapist; there’s just an open conversation that’s never stigmatizing.”
Train Your Leadership Team
The leadership development platform BetterUp describes how we need to move on from “old school” avoidance tactics, advising, “We can help by training managers to offer support to employees that may not be feeling their best. Teach them to listen without judgment and offer next steps to support them.”
Equipping office leaders with this knowledge and training can help them navigate sensitive conversations. Building trust takes time, but meaningful, authentic relationships are built when leaders can spot the need for a mental health day, an adjustment in project timeframes or work hours, or a referral to an employee assistance program (EAP). The goal is for employees to feel comfortable enough to ask for help.
Promote work/life balance
The Happiness Index, highlights how a healthy work-life balance enhances relationships, productivity, and well-being. Employers can support balance by encouraging employees to take breaks, use PTO, and embrace flexible work arrangements. Providing options such as hybrid work, flextime, or occasional mental health days helps accommodate personal needs and reduce burnout.
Encourage self-care activities
Many employees struggle with self-care due to time constraints or uncertainty about where to start. The Calm mental fitness app a mental fitness app, advises integrating small moments of self-care throughout the day rather than deferring them. Employers can encourage self-care by offering guided meditation or yoga sessions, walking meetings, regular workday pauses, or team outings. Gratitude and mindfulness also foster morale and camaraderie.
Send proactive reminders
Employees may not be aware of available mental health resources or may need encouragement to use them. Proactively share reminders about services and benefits, such as self-care tips or information about counseling. Normalizing these conversations helps reduce stigma and encourages employees to seek support when needed.
Since 1912, BBB has been supporting businesses and consumers in its mission of advancing marketplace trust. BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information. There are over 100 local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Central East Texas, which was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties.