Step one: Realize that workplace mental health services are a game-changer that will bring your company to new heights. Step two: Panic! There are so many! There are too many options! What does my company need? And how do I decide?!
Deep breath. Not to blow our own horn, but we’re kind of experts in this field. So sit back, have a coffee, and let us walk you through the most common workplace mental health services, the most important features, and all the information you need to decide what will work best for your company.
As awareness of the significance of mental health increases, many employers are taking a closer look at how they can better support their employees’ mental well-being. One way that companies are doing this is by introducing workplace mental health services. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why workplaces introduce mental health services, the benefits of these services, and ways to start implementing mental health services in your organization.
Why introduce workplace mental health services?
There are several reasons why employers may choose to introduce mental health services in the workplace. For one, mental health issues are incredibly common, with 1 in 5 adults in the US experiencing a mental illness in any given year. This means that many employees may be struggling with mental health issues, and it’s in the best interest of employers to support them.
Furthermore, mental health issues have a significant impact on productivity and overall job performance. Employees who are struggling with mental health may struggle to concentrate, miss work more frequently, and have difficulty completing tasks. By providing mental health services in the workplace, employers can help employees get the support they need to manage their mental health and perform at their best.
The benefits of introducing mental health services at work
Introducing workplace mental health services has significant benefits for both employees and employers. Here are just a few:
- Improved Employee Mental Health: Perhaps the most obvious benefit of workplace mental health services is that they help employees manage their mental health more effectively. This can lead to reduced symptoms of mental illness, improved overall well-being, and increased job satisfaction.
- Increased Productivity: When employees are struggling with mental health issues, it can be difficult for them to focus on their work and complete tasks efficiently. By providing mental health services, employers can help employees manage their symptoms and improve their productivity.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism, as employees may need time off to manage their symptoms. By providing mental health services in the workplace, employers can help employees manage their mental health and reduce the need for time off.
- Improved Employee Retention: Employees who feel supported by their employer are more likely to stay with the company long-term. By providing mental health services, employers can show their employees that they care about their well-being and are invested in their success.
The impact of workplace mental health services
But don’t take our word for it! Let’s look at the numbers.
- According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, employees who feel supported by their employer when it comes to their mental health are more likely to report feeling satisfied with their job (91% vs. 69%), motivated to do their best (89% vs. 50%), and likely to recommend their employer as a good place to work (81% vs. 38%).
- A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that employees who received mental health treatment through their employer experienced a 31% increase in productivity.
- A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that companies that implemented a mental health program experienced a return on investment of $4 for every $1 invested due to reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity.
- According to a survey conducted by the National Business Group on Health, 80% of employees said they would be more loyal to their employer if they offered better support for their mental health needs.
These statistics demonstrate that introducing workplace mental health services can lead to a range of positive outcomes for both employees and employers. By investing in the mental health of their workforce, companies create a more supportive and productive work environment that benefits everyone.
How to implement workplace mental health services
If you’re interested in introducing mental health services in your workplace, there are several steps you can take:
- Assess the Needs of Your Employees: Before introducing any mental health services, it’s important to assess the needs of your employees. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one conversations with employees. This will help you determine what types of services would be most beneficial for your workforce.
- Identify Resources: Once you’ve identified the needs of your employees, it’s important to identify the resources that are available to you. This could include on-site counseling services, employee benefits, or partnerships with mental health providers.
- Develop a Plan: Once you’ve identified the services you want to offer, it’s important to develop a plan for how they will be implemented. This could involve creating policies and procedures, identifying key stakeholders, and establishing a budget.
- Communicate with Employees: Finally, it’s important to communicate with your employees about the mental health services that are available to them. This could involve hosting informational sessions, distributing flyers or brochures, or creating a dedicated section on your company’s intranet.
Not sure where to start?
nilo.health has you covered. Providing holistic company strategy along with a dedicated range of workplace mental health services, we also see 10 times more engagement than traditional EAPs and 96% of our users report strong improvement in their mental health. Book a demo today!
