5 ways to support mental health in the workplace

Did you know that one in five Americans experience mental illness each year? And one in six kids in America (ages 6-17) has a treatable mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety. 

Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated throughout May, was established to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues, help reduce the stigma around mental health and recognize the importance of mental wellness.

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Employee wellbeing should be supported throughout the calendar year, not just within May. But Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to emphasize how managers and leaders must create a work environment where employees feel supported. 

Here are 5 ways to support mental health throughout your workplace:

1. Check in regularly with your employees, and ask about their mental health.

During regularly scheduled 1:1 meetings, managers can carve out time to chat with their direct reports about their general wellbeing. Use the five minutes at the start of every session to talk about life.

2. Tell everyone to block time on your calendars for an undisturbed lunch or mental health break.

Whether your lunch break is 30 mins or an hour, every employee should take time on their calendar dedicated to eating lunch away from their desk. Employees can use this time for a walk in their neighborhoods, meditation, exercise or however they choose, as long as it’s time spent away from their computer.

3. Encourage employees to take mental health days each quarter.

Burnout is real, and employees are feeling it. Model healthy behavior by taking time off and unplugging from work to encourage your employees to do the same. After taking a mental health day, employees usually return feeling refreshed and inspired.

4. Dedicate time to team building.

Laughter is a great way to unite teams and get people feeling good. Dedicate an hour to something fun with your team. Whether it’s food tasting or improv exercises, laughter can lift spirits and create opportunities for bonding.

5. Invest in mental health education experiences.

Set aside 60 minutes for a learning experience for your employees. Employees want to learn together - and mental health content can bring people together while creating a safe space to model vulnerability.

Employees don’t quit their jobs. They leave their bosses. As business leaders, you can impact someone’s day-to-day mental wellbeing and workplace enjoyment. Take charge and get creative. It only takes an hour to make a lasting impression!

Learn how you can make the business case for mental health education in the workplace

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