Employee Mental Health

New Approaches to Employee Mental Health

Pranita Nikam

1)Joyce, Lisa(2023)

 This supplement explores innovative approaches to mental health and wellness, emphasizing the identification of vulnerable employees and a holistic approach to mental and physical health. It highlights the post-pandemic challenges in mental health, such as increased anxiety and depression. Employers are positioned as advocates for mental health, with potential cost savings and productivity gains. The stigma surrounding mental health is addressed, along with practical actions for employers to create a supportive workplace culture. The supplement underscores the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and emphasizes the importance of normalizing mental health conversations. Organizations prioritizing mental health are likely to experience lower healthcare costs, reduced employee absences, and improved retention.

 

 

 

2)Howatt, Bill(sep 13, 2023)                                                                                                               

 

This article underscores the influence of financial and productivity-related concerns as motivators for leaders to invest in Psychological Health and Safety (PHS) programs in the workplace. It emphasizes the importance of clear motivation, accountability, and action in implementing effective mental health initiatives. The maturity continuum is introduced as a tool for organizations to assess their current standing and progress toward mental health transformation. The article recommends obtaining evidence-based baselines, developing in-house facilitators, focusing on prevention measures, and providing psychologically safe leadership training. The ultimate goal is to build internal competency for sustainable workplace mental health improvements.

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3)Ferguson, John(Jul13,2021)

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened anxieties among workers, emphasizing the need for businesses to prioritize employee mental health. Purolator, faced with the challenges of increased workloads and anxiety, emphasizes the importance of overcommunication, transparency, and empathy to alleviate stress. The rise in mental health-related disability claims underscores the urgency for employers to actively support their workforce’s well-being. Tools such as Employee Assistance Programs (EFAP), mental health first-aid training, and innovative apps play a crucial role in providing accessible support. The article advocates for fostering empathy as a vital skill in recognizing and addressing colleagues’ mental health challenges, emphasizing the ongoing progress and commitment needed by businesses in promoting employee mental health.

 

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4)Place, Alyssa(Apr 1, 2021)

 

A report by mental healthcare platform Ginger reveals a disparity between employers and employees in assessing the effectiveness of mental health support during the pandemic. While 96% of employers believe they are adequately supporting employee mental health, only 69% of employees share this view. The report emphasizes the importance of employers being vocal about prioritizing mental health through benefits and communication. Despite increased awareness, employees remain hesitant to share stress with managers. Managers, in turn, are encouraged to show empathy and vulnerability to build resilient teams. The pandemic has provided an opportunity to make mental health treatment accessible at all levels of organizations, with a 66% increase in virtual mental health benefit utilization over the past year.

 

5)Lindzon, Jared(Feb 2, 2022)

 

Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace as the pandemic continues to impact employees. Hootsuite, a social media management platform, implemented various policies and programs to support employee mental health, including 20 paid personal days for COVID-19-related needs, increased mental health coverage, trauma counseling, a meditation app subscription, and a companywide wellness week. RBC Insurance’s study shows a rise in mental health-related disability claims across all age groups, with younger workers facing more acute challenges. Employers are urged to invest in mental health programs to prevent burnout, employee churn, and create a competitive advantage in the labor market. The Center for Addiction and Mental Health suggests a two-pronged approach, including investing in employee assistance programs and assessing workplace culture to reduce stigma and support mental health.

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6)Lemke, Daphne(4 oct 2023)

In Fond du Lac County, businesses are actively addressing mental health concerns among their employees during Depression Awareness Month. Employers such as Society Insurance emphasize holistic well-being, offering wellness programs, mental health days, and a relaxation room. The Hausmann Group provides Mental Health First Aid Training for business leaders, while National Exchange Bank & Trust focuses on resiliency and burnout prevention. Marian University supports its staff with counseling services, wellness initiatives, and resources. NAMI Fond du Lac County offers various mental health programs and support groups, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental and physical health simultaneously. Fond du Lac County also provides Crisis Intervention Services for immediate assistance.

 

7)Thomas, Karen(26 Dec 2023) In the evolving work landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, employees are undergoing a profound shift in their attitudes toward work, seeking purpose and autonomy. Mental health has become a critical aspect of workplace well-being, impacting productivity and recovery from injuries. Employers are advised to adapt to remote or hybrid work models, customize return-to-work policies, and prioritize individual needs. Creating engagement opportunities, addressing rising stress claims, and fostering a compassionate leadership culture are crucial for maintaining a positive workplace environment. Recognizing social determinants of health and providing support for employees facing additional stressors are also emphasized as essential practices for contemporary workforce management.

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8)Murphey, Dakota(15 May 2023)

The evolving work landscape, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a shift in working patterns, with remote or hybrid models becoming prevalent. Employers investing in shared office spaces must prioritize employee wellbeing, ensuring a conducive and appealing environment. Technology, while a crucial tool for efficiency, has also been associated with the “always on” culture, impacting work-life balance and mental health. Striking a balance, employers can leverage technology for positive outcomes, including increasing employee engagement through online training, recognition programs, and feedback mechanisms. Automation of repetitive tasks using technologies like robotics and AI contributes to reducing human error and freeing up employee time for more creative and strategic endeavors. Overall, technology plays a significant role in fostering a healthy and prosperous workplace culture.

 

 

9)Howatt, Bill (sep 6, 2023)

 

Senior leaders must address poor mental health’s impact on employees, workplace culture, and productivity. A survey by Capterra revealed that only 39% of small- and medium-sized Canadian employers offer mental health services, despite mental health issues constituting 30 to 40% of short-term disability claims. The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace emphasizes a plan-do-check-act framework. Mental health concerns range from mental harm to mental injury, and accountability between employers and employees is crucial for success. ISO provides guidance on psychosocial factors affecting mental health, and a psychologically safe workplace is key to employee well-being. Establishing mental health programs requires clear prioritization from organizational leaders. The next article in the series will provide guidance on designing a workplace mental health strategy.

 

10)Harris, Margaret(8 Oct 2023)

The Annual Mental State of the World Report conducted by Sapien Labs reveals that one in three South Africans will experience mental health problems in their lifetime. With increasing stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression, experts emphasize the importance of employer interventions. Investing in employees has shown to reduce health-care and disability costs, while counseling services, stress-management tools, and workshops can address mental health issues. Additional support in financial and legal aspects, along with training for managers to identify and assist struggling team members, contributes to a healthier workplace culture that fosters empathy.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 The articles highlight the growing recognition of the significance of mental health in the workplace, especially in the post-pandemic era. Employers are increasingly becoming advocates for mental health, addressing challenges, and implementing innovative programs. The focus is on fostering supportive cultures, leveraging technology responsibly, and prioritizing employee wellbeing to achieve positive outcomes. The importance of clear motivation, accountability, and action in implementing mental health initiatives is emphasized, along with the need for ongoing commitment and progress. Overall, creating psychologically safe workplaces and addressing mental health holistically can lead to reduced healthcare costs, improved retention, and enhanced employee wellbeing.

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Reference:

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  • Harris, M. (2023, Oct 08). Take care of your employees’ mental health.Sunday Times Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/take-care-your-employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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