Mental health conditions are real, serious, and common. In fact, one in five adults in the US will experience a mental health condition in any given year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And yet, despite how widespread these conditions are, there is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding them.
That’s why it’s crucial for business owners and company leaders to be aware of mental health conditions and know how to support employees who may be dealing with them. Here are six ways you can do that:
1. Talk about mental health openly and without stigma.
One of the biggest misconceptions about mental health conditions is that they only affect individuals who are “weak” or “unstable.” But the truth is that mental health conditions can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
In other words, your employees are not immune to mental health problems. In fact, some of your employees are likely struggling with mental health conditions right now, and you don’t even know it.
That’s why talking about mental health openly and without stigma is essential. Let your employees know that you’re open to talking about mental health and that you’re there to support them if they need it.
You can also normalize the conversation around mental health by sharing articles, blog posts, or podcasts that discuss mental health in a positive and relatable way.
2. Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) for confidential counseling.
An employee assistance program (EAP) is a confidential counseling service that can help employees with a variety of issues, including mental health problems.
If your company doesn’t already have an EAP, you should strongly consider implementing one. It will show your employees that you’re committed to supporting their mental health and give them a safe and confidential place to go if they’re struggling.
There are a lot of different EAPs out there, so do your research to find one that will be the best fit for your company.
3. Recommend various treatment options.
If an employee comes to you and says that they’re struggling with a mental health condition, it’s important to be ready with a list of recommended treatment options. There are many different ways to treat mental health conditions, so it’s helpful to have a few other options for your employees to choose from.
For example, in the case of eating disorders, you can connect your employees with anorexia nervosa treatment options for those who are struggling with that condition. You can also recommend therapy, medication, and other types of treatment depending on the specific mental health condition your employee is dealing with.
Regardless of what treatment options you recommend, it’s important to make sure that your employees feel supported and empowered to seek help.
4. Encourage employees to take vacation days and other forms of paid time off.
It’s no secret that employees are often reluctant to take vacation days or other forms of paid time off. But the truth is that taking a break from work can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health.
In fact, a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that employees who took regular vacations were less likely to experience symptoms of depression. So if you want to support your employees’ mental health, encourage them to take advantage of their paid time off.
Of course, it’s essential to make sure that your employees feel comfortable taking vacation days without fear of retribution. That’s why it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation about vacation days and to make it clear that taking them is not only encouraged but also expected.
5. Promote a healthy work-life balance.
A healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining good mental health. Unfortunately, many employees feel like they have to choose between their job and their personal life.
It’s important to make it clear to your employees that you value their time outside of work just as much as you value their time at work. Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging your employees to take breaks, set boundaries, and make time for themselves outside of work.
You can also support a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as flex time, telecommuting, and compressed work weeks.
6. Provide training for managers on supporting employees.
Managers play a crucial role in supporting employees with mental health conditions. But in order to do that, they need to have the proper training.
Provide your managers with training on how to identify employees who may be struggling with a mental health condition. Teach them about the different types of mental health conditions and how to effectively communicate with employees who are dealing with them.
You should also provide your managers with resources on where to find help for employees who are struggling. In addition, make sure that they know how to confidentially and respectfully refer employees to the EAP or other mental health resources.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace is essential for the well-being of your employees. By taking steps to remove the stigma against mental illness, you can create an environment where employees feel comfortable seekings help and getting the support they need.