Here at Stiletto Agency during Mental Health Awareness Month 2022, we value the discussion surrounding mental health. We especially value it as a way to promote safety and wellness in the workplace.
Whether it’s a large corporation or a small business, promoting wellness is an important part of every workplace. This can come in many forms, and it starts with removing the stigma in the workplace surrounding mental health.
Removing the Stigma
According to Peldon Rose, 72% of employees want employers to champion mental health and well-being, but 63% think their workplace is unhelpful. Beginning to remove the stigma surrounding mental health in your workplace not only relieves stress, but also opens up a space for discussion about employees’ wellbeing.
Employees in leadership positions can help remove the stigma on mental health by having open discussions and presentations on emotional wellness. This in turn, will help facilitate trust in your employees to go to you with their concerns.
Additionally, removing the stigma in your workplace helps instill confidence and situational awareness in your employees.
Workplace Wellness
Providing employees with mental health benefits and services, like group therapy and couples counseling, can also help relieve employee stress.
Another way to promote wellness is to be flexible. Helping your employees reduce and manage their stress by being flexible with hours and work from home options, as well as allowing personal time off (PTO), contributes to a safer, more productive work environment.
A third way to lessen stress is by offering work affiliated extracurriculars like self defense classes. Options like these help empower your team while also providing time for them to hang out with coworkers outside of work hours.
Checking In
If you don’t already, you should start sending quarterly surveys to your employees on their mental wellness in the workplace.
This will help you and your leadership team evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and how your workplace can improve in their approach to mental wellness.
Additionally, openly encouraging employees to have regular check-ins with the provided mental health services will go a long way. It’s simple; the more you invest in your employees, the more they will invest in you.
Our safety trainings and programs empower your employees and help them develop a vigilant mindset. For Mental Health Awareness Month 2022, you can learn more about our training programs, contact us today!
